balsamic vinegar Archives - D'Olivo Tasting Bar

December 2, 2022

Tips and Tricks for Cooking with Olive Oil

With the end of October in site, that means the holiday months are nearly here. With this season of thankfulness and cheer is also accompanied by lots of time in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting family for Thanksgiving or gearing up for all those holiday office parties, food is most likely on the brain.

We hope that like us, this idea of extra time in the kitchen for cooking and baking brings a sense of true joy. Our team at D’Olivo loves preparing delicious food for those we love to enjoy. As we look forward to lots of that in the weeks ahead we’re sharing our top tips and tricks for cooking with the always popular olive oil.

Remember Olive Oil Can Be Used with High Heat

One of the points that olive oil opponents often use in arguments for why you shouldn’t use olive oil as a fat alternative in cooking is that it cannot be used at high heats. However, if you’re using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil this simply isn’t true. In fact, high-quality olive oils have an extremely high smoke point making them safe for use, even in high heat situations.

So, if you’ve got a turkey you want to fry or another high-temperature recipe don’t be afraid to purchase a high-quality olive oil and use it as a healthy alternative for your holiday recipe.

Olive Oil Makes A Great Butter Substitute

While we love to cook and bake, we also recognize that this time of year can bring lots of anxiety as we look to stay healthy while still enjoying baked goods. This is where olive oil can play a role, as it makes a great substitute for butter and other fats in many recipes. As you get ready to make your next pie crust, cookies, or other delicious treat upgrade the ingredients and try a high-quality olive oil.

Not only will you save on calories, but the health benefits of olive oil will give it an extra boost. The ideal ratio for butter substitutions is below:

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

When substituting olive oil for canola, vegetable, or another oil simply use a 1:1 ratio.

*Pro tip – try our butter flavored olive oil to keep that rich, buttery flavor alive in the dish.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

Our team at D’Olivo always tries to encourage this point for every customer who steps through the door to taste through our selection. Olive oil, especially our flavored varieties, offer a world of opportunity for enhancing and changing up even your most standard of dishes. Especially if paired with our selection of delicious balsamic vinegars.

If you’ve got a turkey to cook, try basting it with our rosemary, garlic, or mushroom sage olive oils. Preparing to make a side salad? Whip up a dressing using your favorite balsamic vinegar paired with olive oil. If you want to make the prime rib pop for guests, marinate it ahead of time with our Tuscan herb olive oil and neapolitan herb dark balsamic vinegar.

Don’t Forget Cocktail Hour

While not the first thing you might think of when it comes to balsamic vinegars, they make a great, low calorie addition for many of the cocktails that you might be planning to enjoy this holiday season. Check out a few of our favorite recipes below.

Hot Toddy – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/hot-toddy/
Orange-Umeboshi Mimosa – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/orange-umeboshi-mimosa/
Lemongrass-Mint Mojito – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/lemongrass-mint-mojito/
Elderflower Champagne Cocktail – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/elderflower-champagne-cocktail/
Tropical Shrub (non-alcoholic) – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipes/tropical-shrub/

As you jump into the season, remember most importantly to enjoy the experience and if you need any help, visit our website for plenty of inspiration and suggestions – https://dolivotastingbar.com/recipe/

July 9, 2019July 3, 2019

10 Delicious Ways to Use Balsamic Vinegar This Summer

Without a little culinary creativity, a bottle of balsamic vinegar can end up hibernating in your pantry for months on end. Even though you know it tastes great, balsamic vinegar is a little tough to work with when trying to figure out where it can fit into a recipe.

With the summer months upon us, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite ways to use balsamic vinegar this season. Ready to dive into the deliciously creative world of balsamic vinegar? Let’s go!

1. Try it in a Cocktail

As craft cocktails continue to become more popular, it may come as a surprise that balsamic vinegar can be used to add an exciting zing to some of your favorite libations. Whether you prefer sangrias, bellinis, or even bloody marys, a few drops of balsamic vinegar can bring an exciting twist to classic cocktails across the spectrum.

After all, what better way to relax and cool off during the hot summer months than by indulging in some refreshing balsamic vinegar-inspired cocktail? Try this recipe for fun!

2. Marinate Different Meats

Because balsamic vinegar packs such a flavorful punch, it makes for the perfect marinade. Brushing a generous layer over steak and letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours before grilling is one of our favorite ways to use balsamic vinegar as a marinade. You can also use it in combination with other marinades to further enhance the flavors that meats such as chicken will take on while soaking.

3. Summer Time Salad Dressings

Even though balsamic vinegar-based dressings can be used year round, why not change things up during the summer months? By simply adding some citrus zest and flavors to your favorite balsamic vinegar dressing recipe, you can instantly add a refreshing zing that will have all of your guests raving.

For the best results, we suggest using orange and lime zest, or even some raspberry to figure out what flavors you like best.

4. Use It As A Glaze

Are you a fan of thick, flavor packed glazes that can instantly elevate even the most basic of meals to a feast fit for kings? We don’t recommend reducing the balsamics you purchase from our store, but you can get the same glaze and excellent flavor from our Denissimo balsamic vinegar. This delicious treat is naturally aged for 30 years and gives the same flavor packed punch you can get from reduction.

5. A Strawberry’s Best Friend

Strawberries are a summertime staple no matter where you go. Their bright red color, sweet, succulent flavor, and ability to be served as a snack or compliment to ice cream make them the perfect partner for balsamic vinegar. The savory, slightly bitter flavor of balsamic vinegar works wonderfully with the sweet tartness of strawberries.

Simply drizzle some over fresh cut strawberries with a touch of sugar, or even with a bowl of ice cream and some whipped cream.

6. Sauteed Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts have been all the craze lately in the culinary world. If you’ve become a fan of these tasty little morsels, add your own tasty twist by drizzling a little balsamic vinegar into the sautéing pan a few minutes before they finish cooking. This will give it enough time to thicken into a glaze while also adhering nicely to the brussels.

With this simple recipe, you can play around with all kinds of fun additions since brussels sprouts tend to adapt very well to a wide range of flavors.

7. Make Your Flatbread Fancy

Flatbreads are another summertime essential that you’ll soon see making their way onto the menus of restaurants around Walla Walla. Whether indulging at a restaurant or from the comfort of your own home, balsamic vinegar serves as the perfect topping for flatbreads. Our personal favorite is the caprese flatbread, but balsamic vinegar can easily introduce a fancy look and taste to just about any of the recipes.

Of course, it doesn’t stop there! Make a balsamic vinegar reduction like we covered above to really bring out the flavors.

8. Mix Some Into Your Yogurt

Do you love snacking on yogurt, but find yourself getting tired of the same old flavors from your local grocery store? Depending on your personal preference and mood from day to day, balsamic vinegar (or reduction) is a quick and easy way to change bland yogurt into a snack of pure decadence. With just a few drops and a quick swirl of the spoon, we’re confident you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Sprinkle in some granola and sliced strawberries if you’re feeling really adventurous. This is a great dish for impressing guests while you relax in the shade.

9. Balsamic Avocado

If you’re a fan of avocado, you’re going to love this tasty tip. Because avocado packs very little taste by itself, balsamic vinegar makes for the perfect partner by bringing a huge flavor profile. The best part? You can prepare this combination any number of ways. Whether you prefer eating avocado in slices, peeled, or even mashed into guacamole, you can add balsamic vinegar at any point to instantly elevate your dish.

Want to make it more filling? Try using this recipe with some avocado toast or even in a salad to make a full, flavorful meal.

10. Add it to Seltzer Water

We know, this may sound a little strange at first, but you have to trust us. Taking your favorite brand of seltzer water (flavored or not), simply drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar into your glass and stir to create your own unique soda! While it’s not going to taste the same as some of the big name brands out there, you’ll be able to enjoy a refreshing beverage with way fewer calories!

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, try adding some balsamic vinegar to your favorite flavored sodas to see what new tastes come from it!

April 5, 2019April 5, 2019

Welcome to Club D’Olivo

Whether it’s your first time stepping through our welcoming doors or you’ve become an avid fan of the delicious products we carry, Club D’Olivo is one of the many ways we strive to give you the best experience possible. From special discounts, quarterly shipments of your favorite oils and vinegars, and unique recipes that are sure to spread smiles at any occasion, Club D’Olivo provides you with countless ways to enjoy our products year round.

So, if you’re ready to taste and learn more about the wonderful world of olive oil and true balsamic vinegars, continue reading to uncover the many benefits of becoming a club member.

What is Club D’Olivo?

Started as a way to help our customers experience olive oil and balsamic vinegar the way they’re meant to be enjoyed, Club D’Olivo has since grown into one of the core pillars that makes our brand tick. Whether you live right down the road from our quaint Walla Walla location, or you happened to pop in by chance on your visit to the beautiful valley, Club D’Olivo provides a convenient way for you to continue the tasting experience long after it’s passed.

As many of our customers have told us, once your eyes have been opened to the flavorful world of authentic extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) and true balsamic vinegars, it’s hard to go back to the popular nationwide supermarket brands. Not only do they pale in comparison when it comes to taste, but you’ll also learn that our genuine products come packed with numerous health benefits so you can live a more holistic lifestyle.

Proudly carrying more than 30 unique olive oils and 35 aged balsamic vinegars at all times, the combinations and culinary possibilities are practically endless. Even though you’ll get the chance to taste as many as you like on one of our guided tasting tours, Club D’Olivo gives you the ability to enjoy our delectable selection from the comfort of your own home all year long.

Because we regularly rotate our selection of oils and vinegars throughout the year, the club is also a great way to ensure you don’t miss out on rare flavors and combinations that you may otherwise never get the chance to try. In addition to getting access to your favorite olive oils and balsamic vinegars, you’ll also enjoy multiple benefits which we go into detail about below.

Club D’Olivo Benefits

Are you ready to spice up some of your favorite dishes, wow guests with sensational flavor combinations, and live a more holistic lifestyle? Below, we go over all of the benefits club members get to enjoy.

1. Quarterly Shipments of Your Favorite Oils & Vinegars

As we touched on briefly above, the primary benefit you’ll get to enjoy as a Club D’Olivo member is the four quarterly shipments of olive oil or balsamic vinegar that you have the option of choosing yourself or letting one of our experienced team members offer advice on excellent combinations (which is always an exciting option for the more adventurous).

The best part? You’re free to choose the package size that best suits your budget and culinary preferences. Ranging from two 375mL bottles all the way up to four 375mL bottles, you can ensure you have as little, or as much, of your favorite oils and vinegars coming right to your door throughout the year.

2. Member-Only Discounts

Another benefit of becoming a Club D’Olivo member is getting to enjoy the member-only discounts whether shopping in-store or online. We understand that you might find yourself running a little low between shipments if you use your oils and vinegars regularly (it’s hard not to), which is why we include a generous 10% discount on all purchases made outside of the quarterly orders.

This is also great for when you want to pick up some additional flavors that pair particularly well with the ones you already have at home. In addition to the discount on purchases, when you become an annual member, you also get to enjoy 15% off your quarterly shipments. So whether you’re just the quarterly shopper or you like to pick up new products throughout the year, as a Club D’Olivo member, you’ll always be saving.

3. Club Gift

Even though half the fun when it comes to authentic EVOOs and true balsamic vinegars is experimenting with different culinary combinations, as a Club D’Olivo member, you’ll be offered a FREE gift every shipment, giving you the chance to sample one of our favorite oils, hand-picked by Roni.

The Gift That Keeps Giving

What better present can you give to someone who loves gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars than the gift that lets them indulge all year long? Many of our Club D’Olivo members end up loving it so much that they gift a year of membership to their friends and family.

Whether you want to surprise them by selecting the first shipment and having it arrive unexpectedly at their door, or you plan on letting them pick and choose their favorites, a Club D’Olivo membership is the perfect gift for anyone who loves combining delicious food with a holistic lifestyle.

Join Today

Are you ready to explore the vibrant, flavorful world of ultra premium olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars? Experience these age-old culinary wonders the way they’re meant to be enjoyed and discover the endless possibilities each unique bottle brings to your kitchen.

Join the D’Olivo family and help spread our love of authentic olive oils and true balsamic vinegars by showing others what they’ve been missing out on. Simply visit our club page, fill out the contact form, and select the membership level you’re comfortable with to embark on a culinary adventure that will forever change the way you view these amazing ingredients

Click to Join Club D’Olivo

May 21, 2018November 13, 2019

Fun Ways to Use Flavored Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

How can you use olive oils and balsamic vinegars in your daily life? As healthy as olive oil and balsamic vinegars can be for you, half of the fun is in finding exciting ways to use them in the kitchen. Because they come in so many different flavor varieties, there’s endless culinary possibilities that you can experiment with.

At D’Olivo, we carry 36 varieties of olive oil and 40 types of balsamic vinegar that allow you to indulge your taste buds and ad fun twists to your favorite dishes. We’re excited to share some of the best ways you can use flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars to spice up meals and create fun snacks that everyone will enjoy. We also encourage you to check out our recipes section on the website for more specific ideas.

1. Make Soup Exciting Again

Whether making soup from a can or concocting your own from various ingredients, soup is a perfect dish to experiment with flavored olive oils. Due to its consistency, oils blend perfectly with soups, allowing the flavor profiles to disperse evenly and add a bold or subtle taste to each spoon full. Consider using our cayenne chili or cilantro & roasted onion olive oils in creamier soups to add more depth. For lighter soups, our Tuscan herb or lemon infused oils can work wonders.

2. Dynamic Pizza & Flatbreads

Looking for a way to spice up your favorite pizza dish? Balsamic vinegar is the perfect partner to nearly any flatbread. The thick consistency and dark color of balsamic vinegar contrasts nicely from lighter cheeses and ingredients often used on pizza and flatbreads, making them even more tantalizing. From a tasting standpoint, the salty nature of pizza entrees make them the ideal candidate for a touch of sweetness. Explore the different flavors we carry and indulge your taste buds with some new flatbread combinations the next time you’re enjoying a slice.

3. The New Way to Roast Vegetables

Roasting is a widely loved method of cooking that produces deliciously crisp and tender vegetables. Whether using a traditional oven or cooking on an open flame, try cooking with flavored oils rather than plain to discover entirely new vegetable dishes. As the vegetables roast in the oil, they will actually absorb some of the flavor and introduce you to exciting new tastes. Depending on the vegetables you’re using and the flavors you enjoy, browse our collection of oils to see which would pair best.

4. Balsamic Popcorn Creations

Are you the kind of foodie that loves to watch a good movie with a big bowl of hot, buttery popcorn in your lap? As great as popcorn is by itself, there are dozens of ways you can transform this tasty snack into something even better. The naturally salty flavor of popcorn makes it perfect for pairing with sweet and tangy balsamic vinegars. We have dozens of vinegars that are made from sweeter ingredients like peaches, chocolate, honey ginger, and plenty more. Pick your favorite flavor (or two) and simply drizzle it over the top of your popcorn to enjoy!

5. Ice Cream With a Funky Twist

This one is going to sound a little weird at first, but once you try it, you’ll never look at balsamic vinegar the same again. While salty sweet combinations are certainly delicious, there’s a lot to be said about sweet on sweet combinations as well! Load up a bowl of your favorite ice cream, chop up some fresh fruit if you’d like, and drizzle on a flavored balsamic vinegar of your choosing like chocolate syrup. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors work together and may even start using it as a regular topping when you indulge in a late night treat.

6. Guilt-Free Kale Chips

Kale chips have been all the craze lately, serving as healthier alternatives to their addictive, higher calorie cousin, the potato chip. These light, crisp snacks are a match made in heaven for flavored olive oils, allowing you to experiment with hundreds of different recipes. Simply pick out your favorite flavor (or two if you want to experiment) and lightly toss the kale in oil until it’s coated and ready for the oven. Once cooked to a nice even crisp, you’ll find that the kale has absorbed a lot of the oil’s flavor, adding a welcome twist to your favorite snack food. Be sure to share this one with friends and family!

7. Yogurt for Champions

Yogurt is a wonderful snack food that can oftentimes serve as a blank canvas for experimentation. The tartness of balsamic vinegar and sweeter flavors of most yogurts marry perfectly when blended together. Simply adding a few drops of your favorite flavored balsamic vinegar and stirring it in will yield an incredibly tasty cup of yogurt. Depending on how you’re feeling, you’ll find that most flavored vinegars pair nicely with yogurt. Browse our collection now to begin exploring new ways you can spice up this healthy snack.

8. Never Buy Mayonnaise Again

If you’ve never made your own mayonnaise, it’s actually not all that hard and can be more cost effective than buying it from the store. While mayo already tastes great by itself, adding a little bit of your favorite flavored olive oil will produce an even more addictive condiment. Consider using selections like our California garlic or fernleaf dill oils to take your mayo to the next level and increase its versatility in dishes. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself putting it on everything you make!