Beef olives made their first appearance in the middle ages, according to my Readers Digest Farmhouse Cookery book from 1980. The olive name comes from the shape of the stuffed beef rolls, which become a neat parcel when they are tied up with string. In the past veal steaks were used too. The stuffing can include minced beef, veal or a breadcrumb base with anchovies, but I've chosen to make my stuffing with Stilton cheese, as it goes so well with beef.