Ultimate Halloween Marinated Mozzarella Eyeballs

ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN MARINATED MOZZARELLA EYEBALLS
1 c. extra-virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 t. crushed red pepper
1 bay leaf
2 T. chopped sundried tomatoes in oil
1 T. champagne vinegar
1 T. finely chopped fresh parsley
1 T. finely chopped fresh oregano
1 T. finely chopped fresh basil
2 t. finely chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt, black pepper
1 T. lemon peel
3 (8 oz.) pkgs. Good quality mozzarella, drained
¼ c. drained whole black pitted olives
¼ c. green olives, unpitted
Plastic straws
Crackers or baguettes

1. Combine olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper and bay leaf in a small skillet over medium heat until sizzling, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low and let continue to sizzle until garlic softens, another 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temp.
4. Pour cooled oil mixture into large bowl and whisk together with sundried tomatoes, vinegar, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, lemon peel and pepper.
5. Add mozzarella balls and toss to coat.
6. Let stand at least 8 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.
7. Working one green olive at a time, slice 4 rounded edges off of each.
8. Punch a hole in center of each olive circle using plastic straw (these will be the irises).
9. Set aside.
10. Open up and flatten each black olive. Punch out holes using the same straw (these will be the pupils.)
11. Place one black olive in the hole of each green olive iris.
12. Place one olive set on each mozzarella ball.
13. Serve with crackers or baguette.