Fried Stuffed Olives

This tasty little Neapolitan treat can be found in the pizzeria's of Naples. Very easy to make and a wonderful first course along with a glass of wine or a beer. These are stuffed with cheese but they can also be stuffed with meat. I used Gorgonzola but other cheeses are also good, like an herbed goat cheese.

Ingredients:

Large pitted green olives

Gorgonzola Cheese

Beaten egg

Bread crumbs

Flour

Olive oil for frying.

This process is the same as breading cutlets. First set up a few small bowls with the beaten egg in one, flour in another and then the breadcrumbs. After stuffing the olives with the cheese, roll them in the flour and then coat them in the egg, finally roll them in the breadcrumbs. Heat the oil in a small saucepan over a medium heat. When the oil is hot drop some of the prepared olives into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, it is best to cook them in batches. About six per person is plenty for a first course. Using a slotted spoon roll the olives around till they are a nice golden brown. Remove them with the slotted spoon onto a paper towel. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve alone or accompany with some other antipasti items such as cured meats.