http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/ A blog about all things olive, from theolivepress.com! en info@the-green-gourmet.com Copyright 2012 2012-02-02T18:35:02+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/five-delicious-ways-to-learn-more-about-olive-oil/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/five-delicious-ways-to-learn-more-about-olive-oil/#When:18:35:02Z Isn’t it time to make a resolution that you’re actually excited about keeping? This year, promise yourself to learn more about olive oil. With food experts like author Tom Mueller and school lunch reformer Jamie Oliver talking about olive oil, there’s never a dull moment around this “liquid gold.” To stay informed and enthused, we’ve got five great ways to learn more about olive oil this year. Here’s to your health, and to your resolutions! Visit an olive mill. Seeing olive oil being produced first-hand is a rare treat; we recommend it to all of our customers. It gives you … 2012-02-02T18:35:02+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/balsamic-spiked-fiesta-black-bean-hummus/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/balsamic-spiked-fiesta-black-bean-hummus/#When:19:50:01Z Our balsamic vinegar-spiked black bean dip recipe is perfect for all you hummus lovers out there. Try this recipe in place of your traditional formula, which normally includes garbanzo beans, lemon juice, and parsley. Here, black beans, lime juice, and fresh cilantro take regular hummus to the next level—and an unexpected splash of balsamic vinegar brings out the sweet, earthy flavors of the ingredients. Enjoy this vegetarian side with pitas, chips, and layered taco dips. Better yet, smear it over tortillas and fill with seared vegetables for a fiber and protein packed burrito. Balsamic-Spiked Fiesta Black Bean Hummus Ingredients: 1 … 2012-01-27T19:50:01+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/perfecting-homemade-pizza-with-high-heat-olive-oil-plus-a-recipe/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/perfecting-homemade-pizza-with-high-heat-olive-oil-plus-a-recipe/#When:00:38:47Z We’re hugs fans of pizza, and recently we came across a great article at The Kitchn giving readers a tip on how to make it best: crank the oven as hot as it will go. We tried it, and we love it! The crust comes out bubbly in spots, while just barely charred in others—just like you’d expect a pizza from a brick oven at a restaurant. We have one more tip to add to this: coat your entire pizza dough lightly with olive oil before you add on any toppings—crust areas included. The olive oil helps to seal in … 2012-01-18T00:38:47+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/tom-mueller-olive-oil-evangelist-author-and-consumer-resource/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/tom-mueller-olive-oil-evangelist-author-and-consumer-resource/#When:16:41:57Z The tides are turning in the world of olive oil. Consumers, government, and the media are all paying very close attention to what’s happening with extra virgin olive oil regulation, and it’s in large part due to one journalist and his groundbreaking book. Tom Mueller, author of Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil, (click on link to purchase a SIGNED copy) made a splash in America late last year with this provocative and honest look inside the fraud that exists within the olive oil marketplace (about two-thirds of “extra virgin” olive oil on grocery store shelves … 2012-01-11T16:41:57+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/winter-warm-up-feel-good-recipe-roundup/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/winter-warm-up-feel-good-recipe-roundup/#When:15:57:37Z The holidays are behind us, but it’s still chilly outside—and getting colder each day. Staying warm and bundled up doesn’t mean giving up eating right by indulging in overly heavy foods. Keep those lingering feelings of cozy cheer in your kitchen for the rest of the winter season with a few simple (and healthy) recipe ideas. Holiday Quinoa Pilaf with Dried Fruits & Olio Nuovo: Quinoa makes a wholesome and satisfying change of pace form the usual rice or pasta side dish. This festive recipe features wintry dried fruits, fresh herbs, and the highly prized Olio Nuovo. It’s especially great … 2011-12-27T15:57:37+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/nourishing-bath-body-gifts-for-the-holidays/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/nourishing-bath-body-gifts-for-the-holidays/#When:16:27:48Z This Christmas, shower your loved ones with presents that show you care. With The Olive Press, you’re used to giving the gift of healthy food and olive oil … but don’t stop there, we also offer bath & body products, using our extra-virgin olive oil, handcrafted organic herbs, and local ingredients—so you can give the gift of all-natural pampering. Our Bath & Body collection includes body butter, body lotion, foot balm, hand crème, and massage oil. Each bottle contains a carefully-blended recipe of extra virgin olive oil, essential oils, and essences. Choose from Lavender or Lemongrass for an aromatic experience … 2011-12-12T16:27:48+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/get-in-the-spirit-of-the-holidays-with-a-sonoma-falling-fig-cocktail/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/get-in-the-spirit-of-the-holidays-with-a-sonoma-falling-fig-cocktail/#When:23:21:17Z From our friend Fred Groth,at HelloCello, Limoncello di Sonoma, a seasonal cocktail using local California ingredients. We are loving this cool, refreshing sipper. Enjoy! This flavorful cocktail combines some of the best fall flavors from some of the best artisanal producers in Sonoma. The balsamic vinegar adds acidity and balances out the sweetness of the FigCello and Gravenstein Apple Juice nicely. The local Bourbon aged in Pinot Barrels, provides the classic backbone of this drink. All the ingredients are hand crafted by passionate local artisanal producers in Sonoma.   Sonoma Falling Fig Ingredients: 1 Tsp. The Olive Press Champagne Balsamic … 2011-12-08T23:21:17+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/holiday-gift-guide-for-the-foodie-in-your-life/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/holiday-gift-guide-for-the-foodie-in-your-life/#When:19:32:17Z This holiday season, give your loved ones something to make them feel good through and through: good food! Whether you’re new to the world of extra virgin olive oil or a pro, one of the simplest ways to say “Happy Holidays!” is with the healthy and delicious gift of Olive Oil. Sometimes it’s the little things that say the most, as you’ll discover in our Gifts Under $40 selection. Some of our customers’ favorite items can be found here: The Dachshund Cruet to display olive oil or balsamic with style; our Anytime, Anywhere Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Citrus Olive … 2011-12-02T19:32:17+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/olio-nuovo-the-seasons-first-olive-pressing-and-a-holiday-recipe/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/olio-nuovo-the-seasons-first-olive-pressing-and-a-holiday-recipe/#When:20:56:35Z Olio Nuovo—the very first olives milled this harvest —is as fine of an extra virgin olive oil you can find … anywhere! The aroma, flavor, and intensity are unique among all culinary oils, and if you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting it, now is the time! Literally “new oil,” Olio Nuovo is your chance to experience the fresh intense flavor and aroma that only new olive oil can produce. This is truly one to be savored. This green grassy oil is full-bodied, pungent and intensely aromatic. It contains the highest concentration of antioxidants, all within this limited-supply extra virgin … 2011-11-18T20:56:35+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/december-3rd-2011-blessing-of-the-olives-and-a-very-special-open-house/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/december-3rd-2011-blessing-of-the-olives-and-a-very-special-open-house/#When:18:14:34Z On Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00AM, join us for the Blessing of the Olives, a traditional ceremony held once a year to mark the beginning of the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival. For locals and olive enthusiasts, this is truly an exalted holiday that kicks off the celebratory months of the Sonoma harvest season. Tom Mueller will be a special guest speaker, offering ancient lore and history about our most favorite fruit. Located on the northeast corner of the Sonoma Square in the historic Mission Solano de Sonoma, the blessing ceremony includes traditional music, talks from local olive oil luminaries and festive refreshments—not to … 2011-11-13T18:14:34+00:00