Tagged: “EVOO”
Toast with EVOO & Tomato
The most common breakfast in Andalusia is, “Aceite y Tomate”, Olive oil and tomato. However, there are many variations to the theme and there is a definite art to ordering this breakfast in an Andalusian bar. The dance goes something like this: “Give me a half a village bread with tomato and oil”. Then the […]
Continue ReadingGolden Andalusian Cocktails
When Brígida Jiménez, my mentor and one of the world´s best tasters, asked me and my husband to attend the presentation of an up and coming hojiblaca olive oil from Rute, Conde de Mirasol, I couldn´t say no. Just a few weeks prior, I had tasted this oil and my response was, “WOW”. Wow is […]
Continue ReadingSpain and Italy: Ancient partners
Photo: Pepe Nieto As an Expert Olive Oil Taster, I am often asked why Spanish olive oil producers can sell their olive oil to Italy and be resold under an Italian label. The question is often a loaded one of blame and conspiracy as if the Spanish are selling out and the Italians are trying […]
Continue ReadingOrange Salmorejo
Salmorejo is an Andalusian favorite said to be originally from Cordoba. Much like gazpacho it is a cold soup often garnished with chopped ham and eggs. Salmorejo is usually found made from tomatoes, bread, garlic and olive oil. However, historically this cold soup was made from what ever vegetables or fruits were in season. This […]
Continue ReadingThanksgiving: Pomegranate & walnut salad with EVOO and molasses vinaigrette
This salad is a recipe passed down to me by a very special woman who made her way into my life and will always be in my heart, Paloma. I spent many Thanksgivings with her and her friend Concha, exchanging culinary ideas, every year making the meal even better. Paloma was from Madrid, born to a […]
Continue ReadingUse it up! Finish that EVOO.
If there was just a bit of food left or just one piece of anything sitting on a plate at the end of dinner my grandmother would say “Use it up”. This entry is dedicated to her. Many people will buy a great olive oil or will be gifted a bottle and leave it […]
Continue ReadingTravel in good taste: olive oil at high-speed
The train is one of my favorite ways of traveling in Spain especially in lieu of air travel. There is nothing worse than having to wait hours for your next flight when you could already be at the beautiful Atocha train station and on your way to your next destination at 310 Km/h. The RENFE AVE […]
Continue ReadingRosh Hashanah: Challah with extra virgin olive oil
In Judaism the olive tree, its fruit and its oil all have very special meaning. We all remember the story of the flood when the dove comes with an olive branch in her mouth as a sign of peace. In Psalms it states that homes with children like olive trees are truly blessed (strength, persistence […]
Continue ReadingDressing your salad the Spanish way: Olive oil, vinegar and salt.
After living in Andalusia for years you begin to recognize the same repeated conversations that often turn into heated debates. Most of these debates are about food and its preparation (especially salads and gazpacho). There is no dispute that I like most than the one about how to dress a salad. It can go on […]
Continue ReadingCooking with olive oil: Grandma´s chicken with almond sauce
A few days ago, my partner Pepe and I were having a beer in a local bar. There was an older couple seated at the neighboring table and we began talking. We spoke about the difference of cultures (American and Spanish) and how we interact in a relationship. I said in some aspects we may […]
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