Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, fresh oregano, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.

2. Whisk everything together until well combined. This is your flavorful marinade.

Step 2: Combine and Marinate

1. Gently pat the drained mozzarella balls with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help them absorb the marinade better.

2. Add the drained mozzarella balls and the mixed pitted olives to the bowl with the marinade.

3. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until the cheese and olives are evenly coated in the herby oil.

4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best, most developed flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.

Step 3: Assemble the Picks

1. When you are ready to serve, remove the bowl from the refrigerator. If the olive oil has solidified slightly, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to liquefy, then give it a gentle stir.

2. Thread the marinated ingredients onto your appetizer picks. A classic combination is one mozzarella ball and one olive per pick. You can also alternate, for example: olive, mozzarella, olive.

3. Arrange the finished picks on a serving platter.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Drizzle a little of the remaining marinade from the bowl over the picks on the platter.

2. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few fresh oregano sprigs.

3. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!