Lemony brussels sprouts with fried capers

A unique side dish and a wonderful accompaniment to a mild fish entree like halibut or tilapia.

Ingredients:
2 lbs brussels sprouts
1/2 cup capers, drained
1/3 cup Coeur d’Olives Lemon-Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 tsp. red chili flakes

Steam brussels sprouts until they are tender and bright green. Slice in half and set aside. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Add capers and chili flakes and stir continuously until the capers start to open and are brown and crisp. Add the brussels sprouts to coat in the oil and caper mixture. Transfer to serving dish.

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Spinach, Feta and Tomato Quiche

A light, refreshing vegetarian dish with lots of flavor.

Ingredients:
Crust
6 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
3 T  Coeur d’Olives Basil/Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tsp. toasted sesame seeds (approximate)
Filling
1 10 oz. bag frozen spinach, thawed and drained of all liquid
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
10 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Quiche Batter
2 eggs
1 cup low-fat milk
pinch of ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. To make crust: Coat 9- inch pie pan with cooking spray. Lay 1 phyllo sheet on work surface and brush with oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. sesame seeds. Top with second phyllo sheet and repeat until you have completed all six layers. Press into prepared pan and trim the edges with scissors.  Sprinkle the feta cheese over the crust.  In a small bowl, stir together the spinach and onion  and layer on top of the cheese.  Whisk together the eggs, milk and nutmeg and pour over the spinach and cheese mixture.  Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until top is brown and the center is set. Note: Can substitute broccoli and cheddar cheese for the spinach and feta.

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Pasta Puttanesca

Ingredients:
2 T Coeur d’Olives Garlic Infused Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves of chopped garlic
1 tin flat anchovies, drained (optional)
1/2 tsp. crushed red peppers
1/3 cup Coeur d’Olives Kalamata Greek Olive or Tuscany Style Tapenade
3 T capers
1 32 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
A few grinds of black pepper
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1 lb. spaghetti or pasta of your choice. We like angel hair.

Heat a pot of  salted water for the pasta.  While you wait for the water to boil make the sauce. In a large skillet over medium high heat add the oil, garlic, anchovies, and crushed pepper. Saute until garlic is soft and anchovies melt. Add olives, capers, tomatoes, black pepper, and parsley. Bring sauce to a bubble, reduce heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Cook the pasta al dente. Drain and toss with the sauce. Top with grated Pramigiano Reggiano or Romano cheese and serve with crusty bread and a Ceasar Salad.

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Onion Marmalade

This slow cooked savory marmalade is a delicious accompaniment to pork and chicken as well as a great topping on sliced baguettes sprinkled with goat cheese.

Ingredients:
2 oz pancetta, finely chopped. Trader Joe’s has some already pre-chopped.
1/4 Coeur d’Olives Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (We chose this one for its peppery finish.)
2 large red onions, thinly sliced (Try shallots too. You will need at least six.)
1/2 cup Coeur d’Olives Fig Aged Balsamic (Actually all of our aged balsamics work well with this dish. Experiment and let us know your favorite.)
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. white pepper
2 tsp. sugar
pinch of cayenne pepper

In a heavy skillet over medium high heat, warm the olive oil and add the pancetta. Cook until crisp, about 2 minutes. Add the onions and cook stirring frequently until the onions are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in both vinegars and water. Add salt, sugar, and the peppers. Stir often, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan until most of the liquid is evaporated. About 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Pour off any excess liquid and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.  Bring to room temperature before serving.

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Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Make this for a romantic Valentine’s Day brunch.

Ingredients:
3 eggs separated
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup Coeur d’Olives Lemon Infused Olive Oil
2 T sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 T grated lemon zest

Separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, stir together the egg yolks, flour, cottage cheese, oil, sugar, salt and lemon zest until well mixed.  Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture and stir gently until well combined. Heat a skillet to medium high heat and brush with Coeur d’Olives Lemon Infused Olive Oil.  Spoon out 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook slowly for about 1 1/2 minutes and then flip pancake and cook for another 30 seconds. Serve warm topped with fresh raspberries.

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