Tag: extra virgin olive oil

The Scrumptious Pantry: Durum Wheat Rigatoni and Farfalle,  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

The Scrumptious Pantry: Durum Wheat Rigatoni and Farfalle, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

(photo:Italian durum wheat pasta made by Carlo) When it comes to reviewing Italian products we’re pretty blunt and we’ve, unfortunately, offended a few Italian product manufacturers with not so positive feedback.  In fact, when companies approach us to review already prepared products we often turn them away for fear of writing yet another negative review.  In turn, many of our favorite […]

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Review: Gargiulo Sorrentolio Venus Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2009

Review: Gargiulo Sorrentolio Venus Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2009

(photo: great, bright, yellow color in the Gargiulo oil) Olive Oil Tasting There are a few Italian food products that take some getting used to; I would include items like amari or digestivi, authentic espresso, meats such as rabbit and goat, etc.  High quality extra virgin olive oil may also take some getting used to if the individual is not […]

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Review: Frankies 457 Organic DOP Valli Trapanesi, Sicilia 2009 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Review: Frankies 457 Organic DOP Valli Trapanesi, Sicilia 2009 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

(photo: the beautiful, 1 liter, tin housing Frankies Sicilian olive oil and a salad of tomatoes, red onion, and basil)  Amongst southern Italians there’s a deep rivalry between Calabrians and Sicilians.  If you travel to Calabria’s old capital Reggio Calabria, you’ll see many Sicilian influences from the regional dialect to arancini and the breakfast delicacy brioce (a type of sweet bread that is served with […]

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Italian Spice Review: La Poderina Toscana, Rosselli del Turco Chianti Classico, and the Canonica Verde Umbrian Spice Blend

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Italian Spice Review: La Poderina Toscana, Rosselli del Turco Chianti Classico, and the Canonica Verde Umbrian Spice Blend

(photo: The Canonica Verde Umbrian Spice Blend including rosemary, sea salt, garlic, and red pepper flakes) Click here for my other olive oil reviews! As you’ve probably noticed, Olive Oil and Pasta are at the heart of Italian cuisine (both above and below the mezzogiorno, the geopolitical dividing line of Italy).  Specifically, my love for both products started in Nonna Scordo’s […]

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review and Vittorio Cassini Giveaway Contest

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review and Vittorio Cassini Giveaway Contest

(photo: Latella family olive orchard outside of Pellegrina, Italy) (3/22: Update – Contest is closed and the winner is Joe. D., congratulations!  And thanks to everyone for leaving a comment)  Click here for my other olive oil reviews! Images have always played a large role in my life.  I still have vivid images in my mind of childhood events like playing […]

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Guide to Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Guide to Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Guide to Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Eight Extra Virgin Olive Oil Basics Italians consume olive oil like it’s water and our grandparents, for example, used olive oil for cooking, shining shoes, preserving food, lubricating machinery (including various shotguns), and curing various ailments (including stomach ulcers).  I wouldn’t recommend you use olive oil to lubricate your shotgun, but we’d […]

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