Olive Oil and Vinegar 101

I was given a unique gift certificate for my birthday, by my brother, Jonathan - how thoughtful. It was for an Olive Oil and Vinegar 101 class being held at a local store. I had enjoyed using some of the store's premium oils and vinegar before (also given to me by said brother; he knows what I like), so this sounded like an intriguing event.

This past week was the night for the class, and the other attendees and I gathered in the custom-built kitchen in the back of the store after they had closed for the day.

We each had an embroidered apron at our seats which we could take home. To begin, we were treated to a new method of flavoring iced tea: the addition of a spoonful of sweet and fruity balsamic vinegar!

I didn't know everything to expect, but this chalkboard menu awaited us, a full course meal with appetizers sprinkled throughout the informative talks.

The store's owner, Michelle, a former nurse, gave us the background on how this business got started and proceeded to share her knowledge of how olive oil is produced, things to look for on the labeling, the health benefits of both extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegars, and more.

She was well-versed in not only her products' beneficial qualities, but she also shared a wealth of creative ideas for ways to use the different flavors of olive oil and vinegar in cooking. Below she is stirring up a batch of her grandmother's gazpacho recipe, which included spicy Harissa infused olive oil. We helped ourselves to this delicious salad served with chips.

Her helper prepared a platter of dipping oil, vinegar, and Mediterranean spices, which we enjoyed along with a fresh pesto.

Next, we all got to select and whisk up our own special combinations of oil and vinegar to dress our salad skewers. Examples: strawberry balsamic + basil olive oil, Sicilian lemon balsamic + Tuscan herb olive oil, etc:

Here is my plate of freshly sliced roast pork tenderloin, which had been simmering all day in, you guessed it, oil and vinegar. It was served with a sweet and tangy apple chutney. Wonderful! 

One lady said she has attended these classes before, and she comes just for the food! We told Michelle that she should really think about writing a cookbook with all her recipe ideas. Since the store sells dozens of varieties of oil and vinegar, there are so many savory combinations to experiment with.

I might have done a bit of sampling and shopping in their tasting room after class. ;)

The following day for lunch I threw together a taco salad, on which I drizzled some chipotle olive oil that Jonathan had picked out for me and I hadn't yet opened until now....it was very tasty!

What a fun birthday experience gift. Do you have a specialty olive oil shop in your town?

~Hannah

Comments

[Barbara J.]

What an interesting class, Hannah! The food looks wonderful. We actually have two olive oil stores here but I don't think either of them have classes quite like that. I'll have to check it out. We have two olive trees in our front yard that are very beautiful - one bears fruit each year but the other has not yet. We haven't learned how to make olive oil though. Thanks for sharing your fun evening.

[Chris O'Dorisio]

Hannah this is really a wonderful gift! Looks very interesting and loads of fun! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading about your experience and seeing all the great photos. :) I bet that taco salad was delicious!

[victoria]

We have a great olive oil store here that you may remember going to with us a few years ago. Olive oil and balsamic vinegars are part of a daily routine around our house.
Jonathan picked out a wonderful gift for you!

[Brenda Nuland]

That looks like so much fun! I was watching a cooking show filmed in Italy and the cook said her secret ingredient in her pasta sauce was a little hot pepper infused olive oil. I didn't know such things existed!

[Cathy]

As always, I enjoyed your newest blog post. It's always nice to think of creative gifts, particularly ones that are unexpected. Good job, Jonathan.

Too bad you didn't get a picture with you in it...

[Hannah]

Barbara,
That’s so interesting that you have olive trees in your yard! I guess coastal GA would be the type of tropical climate where they would do well. Thanks for your comment!

Chris,
It really was fun! I know you would have enjoyed it. I remember one year your family gave us some dipping oils as a gift – delicious! :)

Victoria,
Yes, I remember you all introducing us to that specialty store…it was fun tasting all their different flavors! I recognized some of the same varieties here.

Brenda,
How interesting! A harissa-infused oil is one I’ve tried and a favorite. I’ve also heard it said that a dash of something hot/spicy really pumps up the other flavors of dishes – I will have to try it now that you mention that!

Cathy,
Thanks as always for reading and letting us know you do. Yes, creative gifts are fun to give and receive!