Tis the end of the summer growing season.  However, peppers, cucumbers, okra and other vegetables which make fantastic pickles are at their peak.Spicy-Sweet Italian Pickled Peppers in Oregano White Balsamic2 cups Oregano White Balsamic Condimento 1 cup water4 whole cloves garlic 2 tablespoons kosher or pickling salt2 cups sweet Italian peppers, sliced 1 ripe, red jalapeno, seeded and sliced Directions  In a medium sauce pan, combine the water, vinegar, and salt.  Bring to a boil over medium heat.  Place the garlic and sliced peppers in a large mouth canning jar or two smaller jars. Pour in the hot boiled pickling...

  The beans above are exceedingly delicious, simple, and comforting.  They remind me of bygone days spent in my Italian grandmother's kitchen, and the sense of comfort I had when she would set a brimming bowl of  pasta fagioli, in front of me. Eating her simple, nutritious, and downright scrumptious food always brought a smile to my face.  I hope this recipe does the same for you. Rachel's Pasta Fagioli With Olio Nuovo - Hold The Pasta1 pound Great White Northern Beans, rinsed and picked over1 medium celery rib, coarsely chopped2 large shallots, diced 1 large carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped1/4 pound smoked bacon...

  Spring.  It is an epic time in the kitchen namely because we have access to fleeting ingredients like green garlic, ramps, and squash blossoms.  This recipe harnesses several delightful seasonal ingredients and weaves them in to a flavorful and eye-catching culinary tapestry. As complicated as it may look at the outset, there are really just a handful of ingredients that come together to make this dish shine, and as you would expect, olive oil is a among them.   Ingredients For the Filling 1 small shallot chopped 1 green onion, chopped 1 tablespoon UP EVOO oil  1 teaspoon fresh lemon...

  This is an easy recipe and it draws its unique, and addictive flavor from marrying the inherent earthiness of beets with the spicy-sweet tang of hand crafted honey-serrano vinegar. That being said, you could substitute the honey-serrano vinegar with many other options including champagne, white balsamic, Sicilian Lemon balsamic or honey-ginger white balsamic.  Experiment and see what you like best.  Below, please find my recipe for Honey-Serrano Pickled Beets.Ingredients2 lbs. small to medium sized beets, scrubbed, washed, and trimmed1 tablespoon high polyphenol extra virgin olive oilApproximately 2 cups honey-serrano vinegarDirectionsPreheat the oven to 375.  Line a baking sheet with...

This is a perfect summer salad and can be served with any meal, including brunch!Ingredients:4 ripe peaches, sliced4 ripe tomatoes, cut into bite sized pieces4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled plus more for garnish1/2 Cup red onion, chopped1/4 Cup pecans, choppedHandful fresh mint, choppedHandful fresh basil, choppedBlood orange olive oilSalt to tasteMethod:In a large bowl, combine peach slices and tomatoes. Add feta, red onion, pecans, and drizzle with olive oil. Add mint and basil and gently toss to combine, season with salt to taste. To serve, portion out each plate and sprinkle with feta. Serves 4

Grilling tonight? Why not add some radicchio and romaine to the fire. Grilled salads take the boredom out of ordinary salads. You'll love this savory and smoky side dish!Ingredients:1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, flavored or plain1/4 Cup oregano balsamic vinegar 6 cloves garlic, chopped1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes4 large heads of Radicchio, quartered lengthwise with some core still attached 1 medium head of romaine lettuce, quartered lengthwise with some core attached1 Cup pecorino cheese, shavedSalt and Pepper to tasteMethod: In a large bowl, whisk oil, balsamic, garlic, and red pepper. Add radicchio and romaine, toss to coat and...

Try any of your favorite seasoning blends in this super simple appetizer! Ingredients:8oz Cream Cheese, softened 8oz your favorite kind of hummus1/2 Cucumber, seeded and dicedGreek SeasoningTuscan Herb Olive Oil Method:Mix a few pinches of Greek Seasoning to softened cream cheese, mix thoroughly. Layer seasoned cream cheese, hummus, cucumber on a small serving plate. Sprinkle with more Seasoning and a drizzle of the olive oil. Serve with crackers, pita, or veggies!Serves 4-6

  This is a tiny departure from the traditional tomato, mozzarella, and basil caprese and tastes just as good if not better! Ingredients:1 12oz Jar of Roasted Red Peppers2 Cloves Garlic, peeled and chopped1/4 Cup Basil Olive Oil 4 ounces Feta Cheese2 Tablespoons Fresh Chives, choppedSalt & Cracked Pepper to taste Method:To avoid tearing, carefully remove roasted red peppers from jar and drain well. Place peppers in a small bowl and cover with about half of the olive oil. Chop garlic and add to mix, along with salt to taste. Gently mix so as not to break up the pepper...

Dipping oils are fun to serve, are very versatile, and are easy to put together. Any pure olive oil will work and most any flavored oil can be used, along with flavored Balsamic vinegars depending on what flavor you're after. The recipe below is a basic starting dip, experiment with your favorite flavors!Ingredients:1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil1 Clove Garlic, finely choppedTraditional Dark Balsamic, a drizzle2-3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated Red Pepper Flakes,a pinchSalt & Pepper to taste Method:Place Olive Oil in a shallow decorative bowl. Swirl a drizzle of Balsamic in the center of the bowl. Add remaining ingredients...

Ingredients1 loaf of good quality crusty Italian or French Bread2 cups fresh, good quality ricotta cheese1/2 cup UP EVOO - Picual, Hoji, or Koroneiki would go well here1/4 cup Tuscan Herb or Garlic Olive Oil3 cups super sweet cherry tomatoes1 cup packed fresh basil leaves3 large garlic cloves1 cup good quality sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained well2 teaspoons sea saltfresh cracked pepper to tastePreheat a grill, BBQ or oven to 425 F.In a medium bowl, whisk the ricotta with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside.Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1/4 cup fresh UP EVOO, a teaspoon of salt, and...