Instructions: In a food processor or small mixer, combine olives, shallot, lemon juice, pepper and half of the olive oil. Add anchovies if desired. Pulse until mixture is a course paste consistency. Use more oil if necessary. I like to vary the coarseness according to what I am going to serve. A coarser consistency is good for vegetable crudites (a basket of green onions, fennel slices, cherry tomatoes). A smoother tapenade is good spread on thin slices of baguette, toasted, or thicker chunks of sourdough bread.

For a smoother tapenade, use all of the olive oil and blend until creamy and smooth. Top with a sprinkling of chives and serve.

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