Antipasto Mediterranean

½ cup wine vinegar

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2   tablespoons sugar (or 12 to 18 drops of Stevia)

1   tablespoon Celtic salt

½ teaspoon oregano

¼ cup water

¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2   carrots, peeled, cut in ½-inch pieces

2   ribs celery, cut in 1-inch pieces

1   small head cauliflower, broken in pieces

1   green bell pepper, sliced lengthwise

1   (4-ounce) jar button mushrooms, drained

1   (4-ounce) jar black olives, drained

1   (4-ounce) jar stuffed green olives, drained

1   (4-ounce) jar pickled onions

Combine the vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, sugar, salt, oregano, water, black pepper, and carrots in a large skillet over medium heat. Simmer, covered, for 2 minutes. Add the celery and cauliflower and simmer, covered, for 2 minutes longer. Add the bell pepper, mushrooms, black and green olives, and undrained onions; simmer, covered, for 1 minute longer. Cool. Chill, covered, for 24 hours. Drain and serve with wooden picks.

Yield: 16 to 24 servings

Adapted from a recipe found on CookbooksOnline.com