Olives With Orange And Fennel 

Ingredients:
- 1 orange, zest strip 2 1/2" x 1"
- 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 1/2 c. assorted brine-cured umpitted olives
- 5 - 6 thyme sprigs, leaves and tender stems
- 1/8 tsp. red chile flakes
- 3/4 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar

Directions:
- Peel strip of zest from 1 orange. Cut strip crosswise into fine slivers. In a 10 in. frying pan, heat 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil and 1 minced garlic clove over medium heat, stirring often until fragrant, 1 minute. Add 2 1/2 cups assorted brine-cured unpitted olives, the zest, leaves and tender stems from 5 or 6 thyme sprigs, 1/8 tsp red chile flakes and 3/4 tsp fennel seeds. Heat, stirring, until warm, 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp Sherry Vinegar.
- Make Ahead: up to 2 weeks, chilled. Rewarm to serve.