I have always found it curious how life can produce the best surprises when you least expect it! 

Whilst sipping on a cold Greek beer, at a traditional quayside tavern in a small village in the Greek region of Halkidiki, I happened to glance over at the bar. My attention was drawn to a tall glass Kilner jar sat on the bar top, accompanied by a tasteful silver serving scoop. It contained a selection of Greek olives, such greens and purples I had not seen for a very long time. Intrigued, I slid a couple of euros across the bar and received a small glass of olives in return. By their fresh smell and firm texture, I deduced they were locally grown, something I have always admired and looked for in my search for recipe ingredients in my range of snacks. 

The crisp olives were an outstanding mixture of Rosemary and Garlic, a perfect combination of different herbs and fragrances that produced an aromatic, lingering taste on the tongue, not too strong but enough to tickle your tastebuds. 

Whilst indulging in this delightful snack, gazing out onto the harbour water, I began to wonder: if I could capture this incredible taste experience in a small packet, they would make the perfect Mediterranean snack for my friends back home. 

Taking out my notebook and pencil, I begin jotting down some thoughts on other ingredients and flavour combinations that would form part of a range of olives with traditional Greek recipes: the start of Mr Filbert’s Mixed Greek Olives.