Artichoke-Lemon Tapenade

 

Earlier this week I dove into one of my new favorite cookbooks, Cold Canning, a treasure trove of recipes so inspiring I hope I have enough years to try them all! The first recipe that caught my eye was this vibrant Artichoke-Lemon Tapenade. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, bursting with bright, fresh flavors, and versatile enough to elevate any meal or occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick flavor boost, this tapenade is a must-try.

Artichoke-Lemon Tapenade

 1½ c. pitted green olives

1 12-oz. jar of marinated artichoke hearts, drained

Finely grated zest and seeded juice of 1 large lemon

3 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin

2 medium garlic cloves, peeled and halved lengthwise

Put all the ingredients in a food processor. Cover and pulse repeatedly, uncovering and rearranging ingredients with a rubber spatula as necessary, until the mixture has the consistency of a coarse, slushy relish.

Transfer to two clean ½ pint jars or other containers, leaving about ½ inch headspace in each. Cover or seal, then refrigerate or freeze. 

 For a layered and sophisticated heat, add 1 stemmed pickled Calabrian chili.

 The artichoke tapenade can be used as:

A spread on crackers or toasted bread.

A topping for pizzas or flatbreads.

A filling for omelets or sandwiches.

A dip for vegetables or pita chips.

A flavor enhancer in pasta or grain salads.

 This tapenade is a game-changer—its bright lemony notes, savory olives, and tender artichokes create a perfect harmony of flavors. The optional Calabrian chili adds a subtle, sophisticated heat that elevates it further. I’m already excited to experiment with more recipes from Cold Canning. Stay tuned for my next culinary adventure!

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Cold Canning by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, Reviewed

I’ve been a huge fan of Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough’s cookbooks for years, their well-worn pages lining my kitchen shelves, but Cold Canning has stolen my heart as their best work yet. As someone who’s never tuned into their QVC stardom, I know them for their foolproof recipes, and this book delivers in spades. It’s completely changed how I preserve summer’s bounty, swapping the sweaty, steamy nightmare of hot-water canning for a brilliant cold canning method that’s easy, safe, and perfect for my small-batch experiments. No more standing over a boiling pot while my air conditioner begs for mercy—this book has been a lifesaver during those humid summer days.

With a whopping 425 recipes, Cold Canning is a treasure trove of creativity. Number two son, Andrew and I nearly came to blows flipping through it, arguing over who needed it more (we ended up buying a second copy to keep the peace). I expected the usual jams and pickles, but this book goes so much further—think coffee jelly (a dream for this coffee lover), bacon jam that made my jaw drop, and parsley-pumpkin seed chutney that I never knew I needed. There’s kimchi and sauerkraut for my son, homemade harissa and gochujang for me, and even quirky gems like orange brandy syrup that I’m tempted to hoard instead of gifting. 

What I love most is how approachable it all feels. The instructions are clear, the photos are gorgeous, and the recipes use less sugar and salt, so I feel good about what I’m making. Sure, the authors suggest sterilizing jars in hot water (not the dishwasher), but it’s a small price to pay for the vibrant flavors you get to tuck away in your fridge or freezer for months—sometimes years! From medjool date steak sauce to onion-bourbon jam that turned my head so rapidly as to have mimicked a scene from "The Exorcist," every recipe sparks joy and inspiration.This book isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a love letter to preserving food in a way that’s fun, frugal, and totally doable. Whether you’re a canning newbie or a seasoned pro, this book will have you dreaming up new ways to savor summer all year long. I can’t recommend it enough—it’s staying front and center in my kitchen, and I’m already planning jars to (maybe) share as gifts.

You can order your copy here.

 Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Publishers by way of Melissa’s Produce in exchange for my honest review.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.