Deep Fried Olives

This was my first attempt at these (actually made them with my daughter and her boyfriend) and I thought they turned out well.  I used a goat cheese…because I love goat cheese.  They were a little fussy but turned out rather well.  The recipe is from Food and Drink Autumn 2011.  These are great for any get together.

8 oz pitted large green olives

STUFFING
125 g Brebis or soft feta or goat cheese
1/2 tsp grated lemon rind
Pinch dried thyme
Pinch smoked Spanish paprika
Salt and freshly ground pepper

BREADING
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs (the finer the crumbs the better these will turn out)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup flour
1 egg, beaten
Olive oil for frying

1. Combine cheese, grated lemon rind, thyme, Spanish paprika, salt and pepper.
2. Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan in a separate dish.
3. Use a butter knife to fil cavity of each olive with cheese mixture.  Roll olives in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, dip in egg and rollin bread crumb-Parmesan mixture.
4. Add enough olive oil to fill pan 1/2 inch deep, heat to 350 F.  Fry olives a few at a time for 30 seconds, turning as needed or until golden.  SErve hot.

Serves 4 to 6