wonderboy, Author at D'Olivo Tasting Bar

March 10, 2020

Olive Oil in Skincare

As the landscape of the beauty industry begins to shift and change, natural skincare has become a popular and ever-growing industry. There’s a growing sense that, because the skin is the body’s largest organ, that reducing or eliminating entirely the exposure to unnatural chemicals should be an essential part of leading a healthy life.

With this change in consumer attitude there has been a response from the beauty industry and natural beauty products that are free of parabens and chemicals are becoming easier to find on shelves. As part of this shift, we want to make note that olive oil based products can be a wonderful addition to a natural skincare routine.

What Does Olive Oil Do for Your Skin?

Olives and olive oil have long been staples of the Mediterranean diet. In recent years it has become popular internationally for its documented health benefits. While a majority of the studies done today focus on the consumption of olive oil there are features of the oil that may also benefit a person externally. Here are a few things that olive oil can do for your skin.

First, olive oil is filled with antioxidants that, when applied to skin, can help prevent damage and prevent signs of aging. Second, olive oil has a high content of both vitamins A and E which are thought to be beneficial for the skin and also may help prevent aging.

How to Use Olive Oil for Skin

1. Use it on the entire body – Olive oil can nourish your skin naturally making it an excellent choice for an all over body wash. The vitamins present in the olive oil should help hydrate your skin. It’s also thought that the natural oil might soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. This body wash or any others from the Olive Oil Skin Care Company are excellent choices to start incorporating olive oil into your routine.

2. Cleanse Your Face – Using olive oil as a pre-cleanse for your face can serve a few purposes. First, it naturally hydrates the skin and can leave your face feeling nourished. Second, it can be an excellent makeup remover. If you’re not up for pure olive oil then check out an olive oil cleanser that incorporates lots of other great ingredients to help keep your face feeling healthy and clean.

3. Hair Treatment – All of the benefits that we’ve mentioned above are also great to treat your scalp. Use an olive oil based product to help nourish your skin and hair.

Of course, there are all kinds of additional ways that you can start to work olive oil products into your routing. From hand soaps and lotions to facial serums and cleansers, we source all our skin care products from the Olive Oil Skin Care Company which uses all-natural ingredients to create their lineup of products.

As a final part of the discussion on skincare, it’s important to know that a majority of the nutrition for your skin comes from what you eat on a regular basis. It’s important that if you’re suffering from chronic or severe skin issues that you consult with a doctor or dermatologist to identify any underlying issues that might be causing problems for you individually.

February 25, 2020February 11, 2020

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Nutrition Facts

The list of cooking fats is seemingly endless with everything from seed oils to vegetable oils flooding the market. While the options you might see on a shelf are vast, the nutritional benefits are not necessarily equal.

In fact, the nutrition information on olive oil suggests that it is the healthiest cooking fat on the market today. Extra virgin olive oil nutrition data shows that the high levels of antioxidants and fatty acids provide numerous health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease.

The predominant fatty acid in extra virgin olive oil is called oleic acid and it makes up about 73 percent of the total oil content. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that is odorless, colorless and can be found not only in olive oil, but a number of other animal and vegetable fats and oils.

In fact, some oils are processed in a way to increase the oleic acid content – olive oil however, especially those that adhere to strict guidelines, has a naturally occurring high-percentage of the stuff.

The overall benefit of the fatty acid comes from the number of studies suggesting that oleic acid has anti-inflammation effects, an issue that has been linked to all sorts of health problems.

Choosing an Olive Oil based on Nutrition Info

Once you’ve narrowed your choice down to olive oil, you might still be wondering which olive oil to choose.

Extra virgin olive oil is an olive oil that is made from the first cold press of the olives. This ensures that it maintains a majority of the health benefits that help set it apart. Virgin or light olive oil nutrition shouldn’t be confused with the extra virgin so be sure to read the labels carefully.

When we talk about the health benefits of olive oil you might be wondering what exactly we’re talking about. While research continues to be done into the Mediterranean diet and olive oil itself, we’ve highlighted a few of the known benefits below.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

1. Contains High Levels of Healthy Fats – As we discussed above, while the oil does contain both saturated and polyunsaturated fats, a majority of the fat that exists in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid.

Studies have shown that oleic acid can help to fight inflammation in the body, one of the leading contributors to a range of different diseases and health problems.

2. Olive Oil Contains Antioxidants – Olive oil is loaded with powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and also help reduce your risk of heart disease

3. Diabetes Prevention – Even if you have a balanced diet, additional measures to prevent diabetes can always be taken. Studies have found that extra virgin olive oil can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 40%.

4. It Can Help Lower Blood Pressure – The phenol-rich nature of olive oil has been shown to help lower blood pressure in several studies. Extra virgin olive oil has been considered so effective for hypertensive individuals that it has officially become a part of the DASH diet.

There are numerous other health benefits that have been noted in relation to consuming extra virgin olive oils. Overall, it’s a wonderful addition to any diet, and all of the nutrition labels for the olive oils that we source and sell can be viewed online.

If you’re wondering how you can add more of this healthy and beneficial fat into your diet then check out our recipe section.

February 11, 2020

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s fast approaching and that means if you haven’t already thought of a special gift for your loved one then it’s time to get out and shop. Lucky for you, we’ve got this quick hitting gift guide on great items to purchase for that special someone. Already ready with your gifts, then we’re here to get you set for that wonderful meal you’re planning to make.

Champagne and Bubbles

This type of beverage is a perfect companion for dinner or dessert. It can also be great way to enhance the taste of any chocolates or strawberries that you might buy. We’ve got the best selection of champagnes and bubbles in Walla Walla so come in to the store and shop our selection.

Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars

If you’re looking to make a delicious meal we’ve got tons of wonderful recipes for you to choose from here – including a wonderful Sous Vide Tri-Tip or a Teriyaki Salmon. Whatever you’re hoping to make from breakfasts to dinners we’ve got inspiration for you.

Brix Chocolates

Just in case you’ve picked up a good bottle of wine to share or gift to someone, we have Brix Chocolate bars for you to add in to the bag. These high-quality dark chocolates are a great option for wine pairing.

Valentine’s Gift Sets

Not sure what to add into a fun basket then come in and see us. We’ve got wonderful gift sets just for Valentine’s day that are beautifully wrapped and packed with many of our great products.

Le Creuset

We can’t make a list without including these wonderful products. They are sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who loves to cook or bake. From Dutch ovens and non-stick skillets, to mixing bowls and ramekins there’s nothing you won’t love.

Caramel Sauce

Maybe you’ve got the perfect ice cream to enjoy at the end of a meal, and if you don’t already then you should buy some just so you can top it with one of our caramel sauces. There’s a variety of flavors to choose from and all of them are delicious – if you don’t believe us you can sample them in store so why wait.

Alexanders Artisan Chocolates

Do you love chocolates or French macaroons? We’ve got the perfect treat for you with these tasty French chocolates and hand-crafted macaroons.

Walla Walla Cheese Company

Sourcing and selling products from local vendors is one of our favorite things to do. Visit us in store and delicious cheeses to pair with your wines or to serve with your meal.

Stasher Bags

We’ve been highlighting this product online but it really is one of our favorites. These reusable silicone bags are perfect for lunches, picnics or storing leftover food in your fridge. They come in a variety of sizes and will not only help you save money on plastic bags but they’re good for the environment.

We’ve listed some of our favorite products, but the options are nearly endless. We’ve got bakeware, cookware, knives and more to stock the kitchen of your loved one.

We also have wonderfully sourced pastas, premixed soups, and other great items to help inspire your cooking or just make meal time a little easier on those busy days. Not in Walla Walla? Shop our selection of store products and have them shipped directly to you.

January 28, 2020January 14, 2020

Baking With Olive Oil

We get asked a lot in the store to share recipes and cooking tips to those who are purchasing from our great lineup of ultra premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars. While we’ve got a great list for you to check out online here there are also lots of ways that you can incorporate olive oil into your cooking without a specific recipe.

While many might not know this, you can substitute olive oil for a variety of other baking and cooking fats. We explore those here and even include a nice conversion chart for those of you who are ready to take that leap.

Butter/Margarine

Lots of recipes today in baking call for one of these two ingredients. While these have their place as a cooking and baking fat, if you want to opt for something healthier then olive oil is a great choice.

You might be thinking – what do I do if I have to cream the butter with something else? Many recipes for cookies or light and airy cakes call for this technique. Even with olive oil you can make it work.

Below is a great chart on the substitutions you would use for typical measurements. If you don’t see your conversion here then please do this at a ratio of 3 parts olive oil for 4 parts butter.

1 teaspoon = ¾ teaspoon
1 tablespoon = 2 ¼ teaspoons
2 tablespoons = 1 ½ tablespoons
½ cup = 3 tablespoons
1/3 cup = ¼ cup
½ cup = ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons
2/3 cup = ½ cup
¾ cup = ½ cup + 1 tablespoon
1 cup = ¾ cup

Canola/Vegetable Oil

This type of swap in your recipes would be very easy as the exchange is a simple one-to-one ratio. In addition to being good for your health, the richness of a good quality olive oil is only going to enhance the delicious flavors in a chocolate brownie or cake recipe.

Why Make A Switch

We’ve talked a lot about the health benefits of olive oil and it’s becoming a popular topic that you’ll see in the news on occasion. Changing out one of the fats in a recipe for a healthier option can have an impact on your overall health.

Olive oil has been proven to have a high concentration of antioxidants and can help with inflammation. Check out our article on the 5 Proven Health Benefits of Olive Oil to read more about this topic.

Takeaway

Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and experiment by incorporating a new and healthy fat into your baking. Our recommendation (as it always is) is that you use a high quality, not overly processed olive oil, much like the ones we carry at D’Olivo. The robustness of the flavors you find in these as well as the health benefits will enhance whatever you’re cooking.

January 14, 2020

Does Olive Oil Go Bad?

Alright, it’s time to get honest about our kitchens. If yours is like so many others you’ve probably got items galore sitting in one of your cabinets, shoved WAY at the back that probably expired at some point in 2017. While everyone’s guilty of this there’s nothing to be ashamed about.

Of course, for us, olive oil isn’t really that item since we have a hard time keeping a bottle around for a month before needing a refill, but for others that might not be the case. Perhaps you’ve been away on vacation or maybe you just use it sparingly for only your favorite dishes.

While we explore the joy of cooking with olive oil here, for those of you that have a bottle that’s been sitting around we wanted to tackle the topic of how long olive oil lasts, tips for storing it, and how you can tell when it’s expired.

How Long Does Olive Oil Last

This is a great question! Of course, because olive oil is a perishable item it does have an expiration date, but it’s not nearly as short as some might think. Research suggests that olive oil is good for anywhere between 20 and 24 months after it’s crush date. However, once it’s been opened you’ll want to use it up within a few months.

That means you’ve got time to use your oil (assuming you can make it last that long). While the price might be a little higher, investing in a high-quality oil might seem like a better investment if you know that you can keep it stored for up to two years.

It’s important to note though that this timeline assumes you’re properly storing your oil and taking steps to ensure it lasts as it’s expected.

Proper Way to Store Olive Oil

1. Store it in a dark bottle – exposure to light can cause your olive oil to go bad more quickly than normal so you should store your oil in a dark bottle and in a cabinet away from light.

This is why you’ll see that our oils and balsamic vinegars are stored in stainless steel containers and then transferred to dark bottles and sealed right in store. This ensures a fresh bottling and helps prevent exposure to light.

2. Don’t Expose it To Air – exposure to the air can also impact the oil and cause it to go rancid before the expiration date. When you use your oil be sure that you get a good seal on it after use. You’ll also want to ensure that you use it up within a few months after you’ve opened it.

3. Exposure to Heat – While your oil is good at room temperature you’ll want to be sure that you don’t over-expose it to additional heat. Make sure you don’t leave it out on the counter where it sits in the sunlight for a majority of the day or it may alter the olive oil shelf life.

How to Tell If Olive Oil Is Expired

If you’ve followed all the tips above for storage but you’ve got a bottle that you just aren’t sure about there are a couple of ways to double check before pouring a bunch into your cooking pan or onto your finished dishes.

Smell the oil – open the bottle, pour some out and smell the oil. A good olive oil should smell fresh and green like ripe olives. Rancid oil will smell a bit waxy like crayons or putty.

Taste the oil – this is the ultimate test. A good oil will taste “green” like fresh grass or ripe green olives. If it is at all greasy or tastes like nuts that have gone bad get rid of it.

While eating rancid oil won’t make you sick, the off flavor you’ll get is likely to ruin a recipe. If you find that your oil has gone bad we suggest tossing it out and making a trip to the store.

December 17, 2019December 3, 2019

How To Choose A High Quality Olive Oil

Choosing a high-quality olive oil is important when you’re looking to add this delicious and nutritious fat into your daily diet. We talk about the importance of finding a good oil quite often but that’s because of how important we believe it is.

Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats that you can use in your cooking, offering lots of great health benefits. We can’t say enough that not all olive oil is created equal and we want to ensure shoppers are well educated. That’s why we’ve decided to offer you some quick hits on how to be sure you’re packing your cupboard with only high-quality oils.

Extra Virgin Designation

Extra virgin olive oil is the highest quality olive oil that you can find on the market. What does that mean though? Well, in its simplest form, extra virgin refers to the method in which the oil is extracted. Extra virgin means that the oil was extracted mechanically without the use of added heat or chemicals.

This process ensures that the nutrients and wonderful polyphenols in the oil are preserved during the extraction. It’s these phenols and provide a lot of the health benefits that you read about oil providing and that we explore in our post here (link – https://dolivotastingbar.com/5-proven-health-benefits-olive-oil/).

As an added distinction, our D’Olivo oils are certified Ultra-Premium meaning they exceed even the highest nationally recognized standards for extra virgin olive oils.

Freshness

Because olive oil is an edible product you want to ensure you’re getting the freshest oil possible. We recommend looking for a harvest date or an expiration date on the bottle. You want to be sure that you pick out a fresher oil and we definitely don’t recommend grabbing anything more than a year old. However, you’ll also want to be aware that the expiration date is more of a suggestion. There’s never a guarantee on freshness when you’re buying from a grocery store since there are other factors that can cause the oil to go rancid such as exposure to light, heat or air.

Buying oils from a specialty olive oil store or tasting bar helps ensure that you’re getting a fresh product. The inventory moves much more quickly and they have employees regularly checking to make sure the oils are stored properly and not going bad on the shelf.

As we like to joke, olive oil is not like wine – it doesn’t get better with age so remember the fresher the better when making your selection. Going hand in hand with this philosophy – when you buy the oil – use it! At some point your oil will go bad so break them out and use them as you cook.

Taste

The surest way to pick a high-quality olive oil is to taste it to make sure it doesn’t have any hint of rancidity. The oil should taste clean, fresh, and green like fresh olives. If the oil you taste has peppery notes that linger in your throat that’s a great sign. The polyphenols are what give the peppery taste to the oil so the more of that you get, the healthier your oil.

This is why visiting specialty olive oil stores and taste bars like D’Olivo are the best way to ensure a quality oil. The oils are usually sourced from reputable distributors and you can taste each oil before purchase. In addition, because the oils move more quickly off the shelves you might even get to see your oil bottled fresh right in front of you.

Storage

As we’ve noted above, the enemies of olive oil are light, heat and air. You want to make sure that any oil you purchase comes in a dark bottle. The dark color will help protect the oil from heat and is a sign that the oil inside is worthy of protection.

After purchase you want to be sure to store your oil in a dark cabinet away from light to make sure it stays fresh as long as possible.

Buy From A Trusted Retailer

As we discuss in this article the popularity of olive oil has caused the proliferation of fake and counterfeit olive oils. While the price of olive oil, found in grocery stores might be hard to beat, if it seems too good to be true it usually is.

Visiting a store with locally sourced products or a specialty olive oil store, while slightly more expensive, provides an extra layer of protection for the buyer. These retailers will have a very good grasp on the olive oils they’re selling and should be able to provide you information on the region of origin of the oils as well as the transportation and storage of the oil. All of these factors are important in maintaining a good quality oil.

December 6, 2019

Top 5 Gifts for the Foodie in Your Life

The holidays are quickly approaching, and that means it’s once again time to start planning your gifts. Whether it be for family or friends, if you’re like us, there’s a great joy in shopping for and picking out something that you think will be the perfect fit. Bonus if you know it will generate a real and genuine smile too.

In case you’ve got a foodie on your list this year, we’ve put together a quick hitting list of things that are sure to generate enthusiasm for them every time they step into the kitchen.

1. Club D’Olivo Membership

This is the gift that keeps on giving for the entire year. Club D’Olivo offers members 4 quarterly shipments of their personal selection of our ultra-premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, plus a free gift hand selected by Roni. There are three levels to choose from in the club, and as an added bonus you receive 10% off anything else in the store when you pick up your shipments. If you’re gifting from out of town or even out of state don’t worry. We offer shipping each quarter for a small additional fee.

2. Le Creuset

As one of the most recognized culinary brands in the world this brand has been making waves in the industry for over 90 years. The cookware they offer isn’t just stylish, it’s also of the highest quality. It’s not just their cookware either as they offer a wide range of great accessories for your kitchen as well. We hold this brand near and dear at D’Olivo and are proud to stock it year round.

3. Olive Oil Skincare Company

A brief trip outside the kitchen, but that’s simply because the benefits of olive oil aren’t just limited to the kitchen. From skincare to haircare, the Olive Oil Skincare Company provides a great line of natural beauty products. From soaps to shampoos and body wash, you’ll find a great selection of items in stock at D’Olivo.

4. Wusthof Knives

A family owned business for seven generations, Wusthof was founded over 200 years ago in Solingen, Germany and still today every blade is crafted in this city. Dedicated to excellence, these beautiful knives are top of the line and are sure to add a special touch to your culinary endeavors. If you’ve got a chef in the family a high quality knife can be a game-changer in the kitchen so consider one of these for that special someone.

5. Denissimo Balsamic Vinegar

Now finally back in stock, this delicious vinegar is aged 25 years and is sure to add a special touch to your dishes. If you’ve got a foodie in the family who loves to make dishes extra special then this might just be the perfect gift. The time spent aging the balsamic gives it a unique flavor that we’re positive will be a huge hit.

Of course there are an endless number of ways you can help those foodies you love add to their kitchen essentials, but these five items are some of our most popular items. Swing into our store in downtown Walla Walla and browser our wide selection. We’re confident you’ll find just what you’re looking for!

December 3, 2019December 3, 2019

Olive Oil Smoke Point

What Is A Smoke Point?

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to cooking is related to the smoke point, but what exactly is a smoke point? This term refers to the temperature at which a given fat or oil starts to emit a continuous and visible smoke from the pan. If you’ve ever left butter or oil in a pan to heat for a period of time before adding your other ingredients then you’ve likely witnessed this occurance in your own kitchen.

Why Does Smoke Point Matter?

While some might argue that the only issue with the smoke point, also called the burn point, is that it might impart a burnt or unsavory flavor to your dishes. However, as any fat or oil begins to heat, degradation starts to occur. If you heat past the smoke point you can start to lose the important nutrients that exist as part of the fat. One of the benefits of cooking with extra virgin olive oil is that it’s an oil that has a fairly high smoke point, and in addition it retains more of its nutrients than other oils as it reaches these higher temperatures.

How do I know the smoke point of my oil?

For those of you looking for a more concrete answer than “when it starts to smoke in your pan” there are a number of online charts that list the standard smoke points for fats often used in cooking. Corn oil for example smokes at 450 degrees, and canola oil at 400 degrees. Extra virgin olive oil smokes between a range of 325 and 410 degrees farenheit.

At D’Olivo we offer recommendations on cooking with our oils that are specific to those that we source from Veronica Foods. For example, our mild ultra premium olive oil we recommend it be used as a finishing oil only and that you not cook with it. However, both our medium and robust oils can be cooked with, but we recommend you use the robust oil for the dishes you plan to cook at the hottest temperatures.

Do I Need To Worry About Smoke Point?

The answer here is both a yes and a no. Of course, the smoke point is important as you prepare dishes. First because you want them to be enjoyed by your guests without that burnt smell or lingering burned taste.

In addition, you’ll want to maintain all of the benefits of the oil that you’ve chosen to cook with. This is especially important with olive oil as the health benefits of olive oil are well studied and documented which we explored in this blog article.
However, many might be surprised to discover that when it comes to extra virgin olive oil you don’t need to worry as much about smoke point simply because the temperature threshold is higher (325 degrees to 410 degrees). The average temperature for various cooking methods often doesn’t exceed this temperature.

For example, pan frying or sautéing on a stove top typically reaches a temperature of 248 degrees. Deep frying happens between 320 and 356 degrees farenheit, and baking in an oven happens at an average of 356 degrees.

While there are always exceptions to these temperatures they provide a good example of why smoke point, especially when using olive oil, often might not impact your food.

We explore the best types of oils to cook with here and would encourage you to read that as you start preparing your next dinner party menu.

October 28, 2019January 8, 2020

The Best Tasting Olive Oil

The best tasting olive oil? You’re probably thinking that we must be crazy, all olive oil tastes the same. Let us stop you right there because in fact not all olive oil is created equal. Due to the growing popularity of extra virgin olive oil it has become one of the most heavily counterfeited and adulterated foods which we explore in depth in our blog “How to Tell If Your Olive Oil is Fake.” We hope here to open your eyes to the experience of olive oil tasting, while arming you with the right tools to select the best tasting oil for use in your every day cooking.

Tasting Olive Oil

We believe that tasting holds the key to truly understanding the complex and varying flavors of olive oils. When you visit our store we truly want you to have an experience which is why whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth we encourage all of our customers to sample, mix and match all of our balsamic oils and vinegars. A good olive oil can make all the difference in your meals which is why we recommend purchasing high quality olive oils like those we source from Veronica Foods.

One of the key components when you go to make your selection is a classic taste test. First, pour about a tablespoon of the oil into a cup and place one hand around the bottom to warm the oil. Place your other hand over the top and gently swirl the oil around to release the flavors and aromas. Second, smell the oil and make note of the aromas. Third, drink the oil and be sure to spread it around in your mouth. Finally, swallow the oil and make note of the wide variety of flavors you can taste. The most flavorful olive oils will likely have a fruity or peppery taste.

If your oil ever tastes sour it’s likely gone bad due to exposure to light or heat. This is why the highest quality oils are sold in dark bottles and we encourage storage in a cool location away from sunlight.

Why Extra Virgin

While there are many different types of olive oil (virgin, pure, light, extra light) that we explore here, it’s really Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) that is likely to give you the most flavor for your dish. Extra virgin olive oil is categorized because it is made from the first cold press of the olives. The olives are ground into a paste and then spun to extract the oils. The use of the cold press allows the olive to retain not just it’s flavor but also all of the wonderful health benefits associated with olive oil.

Because of the corruption that has plagued the extra virgin olive oil industry over time, a new designation of Ultra Premium (UP) arose to designate the highest quality olive oils in the world. All of the oils available in our store and online proudly carry the UP designation which indicates that they exceed all existing standards and grades worldwide for olive oil.

Exploring the Oils

D’Olivo Mild Ultra Premium Olive Oil – this olive oil is the most mild of our oils. These oils are fruity with very little bitterness to the taster and are what we’d consider more of an all purpose oil. Perfect dishes for using this oil would include salads or white fish like Walleye or Halibut.

D’Olivo Medium Ultra Premium Olive Oil – this medium blend of seasonal oil is a little bit more complex than the mild version. The taste can be slightly greener but that only serves to enhance whatever dish you pair it with though, we recommend grilled vegetables.

D’Olivo Robust Ultra Premium Olive Oil – The most peppery of our offerings, this oil also packs the most flavor punch. It’s perfect for red meat dishes like steak or pork.

D’Olivo Flavored Ultra Premium Olive Oils – This selection of our flavored oils ranges from mild to robust, but they also each pack a unique added flavor punch. The flavored oils pair amazingly well with our balsamic vinegars and are sure to elevate any dish you’re preparing in the kitchen. We highly recommend taking a look at our pairing chart and then coming in to taste and sample all of the great combinations that you can create.

October 14, 2019October 14, 2019

Top 5 Recipes for Cooking With Olive Oil This Fall

The weather is changing and that means it is time to shake up your at home menu! Lots of people have put away the summer essentials like patio tables and are spending less time out at the BBQ in the evenings. That’s no reason to be sad though, because with fall come some of the most wonderful, hearty dishes that herald in the holidays. As a celebration of one of our most favorite times of year we decided to compile a list of fall favorites that will delight your family or dinner party guests as you all gather around the table. Check out these fun dishes and then be sure to stock up on all the ingredients by stopping by our store or shopping online.

Bread

Every year when fall gets started it’s a cue to start baking. Whether it’s cookies, pies, or bread it just feels better when the oven is turned on. When it comes to bread, olive oil isn’t just there for creating a dipping sauce. You can actually use it in the recipe to create delicious olive oil bread that pairs well with pasta dishes of all kinds.

Pizza Sauce

If you’re like us then you’ve likely got the last of your garden fresh vegetables off the vine in the last couple of weeks. Don’t let those tomatoes go to waste and instead use them to create a delicious homemade pizza sauce.

Soups

Soups are another favorite for this time of year. They’re great if you’re suffering from an early fall cold or if you’re just looking for a great way to use up the rest of those turkey leftovers.

Sous Vide Tuscan Herb & Neopolitan Tri-Tip

Most people don’t mind a good steak in the summer, but it’s easy to forget about some of these heartier meats when summer often leads us to dishes heavy with fish, chicken, and fresh vegetables. This recipe is a classic and is one that we’re sure you’ll enjoy too.

Cakes

Cakes can be the perfect end to a delicious meal and they’re also great for taking along to your host/hostess if you’re invited to a dinner party. This recipe is sure to be a winner for all your guests.