Here's a mouthwatering example of how California black ripe olives can add healthy flavor. The recipe is suitable for diabetics:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup chopped oregano
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 11/2-inch pieces
• 1 fennel bulb, wedged and blanched in boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, quartered and blanched
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 1/3 cups California Ripe Olives, whole, drained
• 1 cup nonfat, plain yogurt
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 1 Tbsp. chopped chives
• bamboo skewers

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add next 4 ingredients and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

Set aside 36 California Ripe Olives. Place remaining olives in bowl of food processor, add yogurt, lemon zest and remaining pepper and pulse until combined. Stir in chives, cover & refrigerate. Soak skewers in water 15 minutes.

Make kebabs by threading skewers with olives, chicken, fennel, onion, potato, repeating to fill skewer. Grill over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side. Serve with yogurt olive dipping sauce.

Serving Size: Makes 6 servings, 2 skewers per serving