Marinated Cheese Tapas  

Tapas are small snacks or appetizers that don’t take a lot of skill or effort to whip up, making them ideal for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), says celebrity chef Seamus Mullen and creator of this recipe. The prep work for these tapas is as simple as cutting up a tasty hard cheese of your choice, mixing it up with a marinade and letting it sit overnight. What’s more, you can prepare tapas in advance, or guests can pitch in. “Tapas are about being social,” says Mullen, who was diagnosed with RA several years ago and created a cookbook called, “Hero Food,” about inflammation-fighting foods.  

To make this recipe you will need a bowl or container with a lid for marinating overnight, a large spoon and toothpicks for serving.  

Nutrition information (per serving)*: Total Fat (24.4g); Carbohydrates (4g); Sodium (1042mg); Sugar (1g); Fiber (1g); Cholesterol (51mg); Protein (27g) 

1-pound hard Italian cheese, such as Manchego, Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano, cut in 1/2-inch cubes 
2 cups extra virgin olive oil 
1 sprig rosemary 
1 sprig thyme 
1 Tbsp. whole black peppercorns 
2 dried guindilla peppers (substitute 1 tsp. red pepper flakes if guindilla are unavailable) 

• Olive oil is one of the best oils you can choose if you have arthritis. Particularly extra virgin olive oil is high in biologically active compounds – such as the polyphenols oleocanthal, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and lignans that have been linked to reduced joint damage in RA. 
• Extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point that doesn’t make it ideal for cooking, but it’s a great option for dressings and marinades like this recipe.  
• Manchego cheese is a classic Spanish food, so if you want to be authentic with your tapas give it a try. It’s typically a sheep’s milk cheese, which may be easier for people to digest, especially if they are lactose intolerant. Parmesan is a good alternative but watch out for higher sodium content.

*Disclaimer: All nutritional information provided is approximate and based on USDA measurements. Actual amounts may vary based on exact ingredients used, how they are prepared and serving size.