http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/ A blog about all things olive, from theolivepress.com! en KiMBo_D@msn.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-16T15:39:18+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/announcing-the-winners-of-our-spring-fling-recipe-contest/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/announcing-the-winners-of-our-spring-fling-recipe-contest/#When:15:39:18Z We’ve just wrapped up our Spring Fling Recipe Contest! Many thanks to everyone who participated by sharing their wonderful creations with us, and to those who took the time to vote online. We had a gorgeous pool of recipe entries, all heralding spring’s bounty of local produce, fresh ingredients, and citrusy flavors. We’re thrilled to announce the Grand Prize Winner, Sherri Williams, whose recipe for Perfectly Pleasing Panzanella won the most votes on our Facebook contest voting page. Congrats, Sherri! Her panzanella recipe (see featured photo) is a fresh and vibrant take on the traditional bread-tomato salad. It calls upon … 2012-05-16T15:39:18+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/be-aware-of-the-risks-of-botulism-with-homemade-garlic-infused-oil/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/be-aware-of-the-risks-of-botulism-with-homemade-garlic-infused-oil/#When:16:00:54Z Making your own olive oil infusions at home is one of the joys of experimenting with great ingredients and tasting the delicious results. But when it comes to making garlic oil, many people aren’t aware that there are some very real health dangers that can arise. Botulism is potentially fatal food poisoning, and it can come about when making garlic-infused oil at home. The dangers of botulism The bacteria spores that cause botulism are called Clostridium botulinum, and they can spread in certain foods when not exposed to oxygen—as is the case when infusing garlic in oil. When homemade garlic-infused … 2012-05-09T16:00:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/get-ready-for-national-bike-to-work-day-sonoma/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/get-ready-for-national-bike-to-work-day-sonoma/#When:17:25:54Z Get ready for National Bike to Work Day on May 10, when all locals are encouraged to dust off their bikes and get around town sans motor vehicles. The event kicks off the entire month of May, as locals throughout Sonoma, Napa, and beyond are encouraged to traverse their cities by bicycle and take advantage of the many benefits of biking for transportation. At The Olive Press, we’re huge supporters of sustainable living and taking actions towards a heart-healthy lifestyle, so we’re proud to be a part of this amazing event. Come see us at the Oxbow Public Market in … 2012-05-02T17:25:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/spring-cleaning-time-to-test-your-olive-oils-freshness/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/spring-cleaning-time-to-test-your-olive-oils-freshness/#When:17:00:54Z It’s spring cleaning time! You’ve swept under the rugs, vacuumed all the curtains, and have cleaned out every old food item from the fridge. But have you done a “spring cleaning” of your olive oil stash yet? Believe it or not, olive oil goes bad in time, just like all other perishables. And spring is the perfect time to check in on your current supply of olive oil to test for freshness, and replace what’s past its prime. Read on for our tips on checking for freshness in your olive oil, as well as tips on how to restock the … 2012-04-25T17:00:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/announcing-the-olive-press-medals-2012/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/announcing-the-olive-press-medals-2012/#When:20:50:54Z The Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition, along with the Yolo County Fair Competition, has just wrapped up, and we are thrilled to announce the Medals we took home! Our Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a long-time customer favorite, won Best of Show! We can’t say we’re too surprised; our medium-intensity Arbequina has been a best-seller at The Olive Press for years now. It’s the perfect choice for olive oil newcomers and afficianados alike. Spring and summer is actually the perfect time to try our Arbequina, if it’s not already a part of your olive oil collection. Fresh and fruity … 2012-04-18T20:50:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/its-spring-and-farmers-markets-are-blooming/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/its-spring-and-farmers-markets-are-blooming/#When:03:23:54Z Did you know that in 2011, there were 7,175 farmers markets operating throughout the U.S.? That was a whopping 17% increase from 2010! And in 2012, we’re seeing more and more markets popping up all around the country, especially in California, where we are blessed with ideal conditions for growing food year-round. At The Olive Press, we are proud to be vendors at farmers markets throughout the state. Luckily, our friends need little convincing to get out to their farmers markets, and it seems like most people around the country don’t either! A 2005 National Market Manager Survey conducted by … 2012-04-12T03:23:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/enter-our-spring-cooking-recipe-contest/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/enter-our-spring-cooking-recipe-contest/#When:17:45:54Z We’ve just launched our Spring Fling Recipe Contest, and it’s open to the public for all to join! The Grand Prize is $100 to spend as you like with The Olive Press—but even better than that, the winner also gets a guaranteed spot in our first cookbook, which we’re so thrilled to finally be starting! This is a great chance for everyone to get out to their local farmers’ markets and see what’s in season right now. In April, we’re celebrating Easter, Earth Day, and the bounty of fresh Spring fruits and vegetables. We can’t wait to see what beautiful … 2012-04-05T17:45:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/easter-menu-planning-our-fave-seasonal-recipes/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/easter-menu-planning-our-fave-seasonal-recipes/#When:14:36:54Z Easter Sunday is right ahead of us, and as usual, we’re so excited to have the weekend to spend with family and loved ones. With most holiday celebrations, food is always a top priority for us, as we often cook and dine with those closest to us on these special days. This year for Easter, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite seasonal recipes for you to include in your menu planning. Whether you have entrees, side dishes, or desserts in mind, check out our featured recipes below for some inspiration. May you all have a relaxing and festive Easter! … 2012-04-04T14:36:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/an-oleocentric-life-passion-and-the-pursuit-for-quality-and-truth/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/an-oleocentric-life-passion-and-the-pursuit-for-quality-and-truth/#When:16:59:54Z   One of the first female Master Olive Oil Millers in the US, Deborah Rogers truly dove into the world of olive oil heart first. When I asked her what it takes, she said “Love, sweat, and tears,” with a smile and raised eyebrows, “truthfully it’s about doing the work, and I’ve been doing it a long time.” “I don’t think being a female has been an obstacle, it might be naïve courage, but I think olive oil people are good people.” Whether she was brave or it was the will of the olive oil gods, Rogers has created some … 2012-03-28T16:59:54+00:00 http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/olive-oil-waffle-topped-with-escarole-salad-and-poached-eggs2/ http://www.theolivepress.com/blog/entry/olive-oil-waffle-topped-with-escarole-salad-and-poached-eggs2/#When:16:25:54Z I have never tasted a waffle quite like this or experienced such innovative dishes for next to nothing, thanks, in large part, to the format of this restaurant. This restaurant began with a food truck called Fogcutter in the summer of 2011 and started “popping up” about 6 months later at a bar called Dear Mom on the corner of 16th and Harrison in the Mission district of San Francisco. As owner Caroline Hummer said, “Instead of designing one menu for a brick and mortar location, we have to tailor our menu to whatever location we are serving at that … 2012-03-21T16:25:54+00:00