News

New E-Commerce Site Launched By The Olive Twist (Recipe Site Launching Soon)

The Olive Twist is excited to announce the launch of their new E-Commerce website just in time for the 2014 Christmas shopping season!  "This site makes it very easy to purchase the numerous products offered by The Olive Twist. Whether you are looking for a great gift idea or just need to resupply your pantry with Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Olives, or any of the various products we offer - our online store is open 24/7, 365 days a year," said owner Lori Berndt.

Not only will this site be a great place to find wonderful things for your kitchen, it is also a great place to find resources and information for use in your culinary endeavors. On our Happenings Page you will learn when the next cooking class, food festival, or nutritional seminar takes place.  On our News Page you will find updated information on pairing ideas for Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars, butter to olive oil conversion chart, the latest gift giving guide, and much more!

The Olive Twist will soon be announcing the launch of its new recipe site too.  In the meantime, please check and Like The Olive Twist's Facebook Page to get the latest information on recipes and cooking information.

NBC33's INsight Visits The Olive Twist - Delicious Holiday Ideas

Watch Lori from The Olive Twist teach Dirk Rowley, host of INsight, how to make bruschetta.  Dirk knows fresh ingredients, including olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs from The Olive Twist makes a real difference in taste that guests will appreciate!

A Taste of Fall

Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage & Toasted Pumpkin Seed Pesto and Ricotta Salata

For the Roasted Butternut Squash
1 medium butternut squash peeled, and cut in to 3"-4" "sticks" no more than 1" thick
2 T UP Extra Virgin Olive Oil such as Picual, Picholine, or Coratina
2 T CHOICE White Balsamic
1 tsp sea salt
freshly ground pepper

Preheat the broiler or oven to 500 F. and adjust the rack to the the highest position in the oven. Combine the oil and vinegar in a bowl large enough to hold the butternut squash. Whisk to combine the oil and vinegar thoroughly. Toss the butternut squash with the mixture and arrange the squash in a single layer on a shallow, lined baking sheet. Liberally season the squash with salt and pepper.

Roast the squash for 10 minutes per side, flipping half way through, until the edges turn golden brown.

Toasted Pumpkin Seed & Sage Pesto
1/4 cup tightly packed fresh sage leaves
1/3 cup + 1/4 cup shelled, toasted pumpkin seeds
1/3 cup fruity Medium intensity UP Extra Virgin Olive Oil or an infused olive oil such as Mushroom Sage Olive Oil, Gremolata Olive Oil, or Garlic Olive Oil
1/3 cup + 1/3 cup ricotta salata, feta, or grated Pecorino can be used as a substitute
sea salt and pepper to taste

In the bowl of a food processor or jar of a blender, add the sage leaves, 1/3 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and cheese. Process until the paste is fine in consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To Assemble
Arrange the butternut squash on a decorative platter. Drizzle the pesto all over the butternut squash, followed by the reserved toasted pumpkin seeds, and the reserved cheese. Serve warm.

Serves 4-6

Butter to Olive Oil Conversion Chart

Use the chart below if you want to enjoy the health and taste benefits of Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils:

Butter/Margarine .........Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  1 tsp..............................3/4 tsp.
  1 tbsp........................... 2 1/4 tsp.
  1/4 cup .........................3 Tbsp.
  1/3 cup .........................1/4 cup
  1/2 cup..........................1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp.
  2/3 cup..........................1/2 cup
  3/4 cup .........................1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp.
  1 cup.............................3/4 cup

Pairing Ideas for Olive Oils

PAIRINGS BY OLIVE OIL - fruit & salad dressings and marinades

ANY EVOO + Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

Basil EVOO + Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar
Basil EVOO + Lemon Balsamic Vinegar

Basil EVOO + Lemongrass Mint Balsamic Vinegar

Blood Orange EVOO + Espresso Balsamic
Blood Orange EVOO + Dark Chocolate Balsamic 
Blood Orange EVOO + Vanilla Balsamic
Blood Orange EVOO + Cranberry Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Blood Orange EVOO + Tangerine Balsamic Vinegar

Butter EVOO + Coconut Balsamic
Butter EVOO + Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Butter EVOO + Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar

Chipotle EVOO + Dark Chocolate Balsamic
Chipotle EVOO + Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar
Chipotle EVOO + Jalapeno Balsamic Vinegar

Garlic EVOO + Fig Balsamic Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Oregano Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Cranberry Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Neapolitan Balsamic Vinegar

Herbs de Provence EVOO + Grapefruit Balsamic
Herbs de Provence EVOO + Lavender Balsamic Vinegar
Herbs de Provence EVOO + Vanilla Balsamic Vinegar

Hojiblanca EVOO + Red Apple Balsamic

Lemon EVOO + Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Oregano Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Coconut Balsamic Vinegar

Persian Lime EVOO + Lavender Balsamic Vinegar
Persian Lime EVOO + Honey Ginger Balsamic Vinegar
Persian Lime EVOO + Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar
Persian Lime EVOO + Coconut Balsamic Vinegar

Roasted Sesame Seed Oil + Coconut Balsamic
Roasted Sesame Seed Oil + Honey Ginger Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted Sesame Seed Oil + Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar

Roasted Walnut + Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted Walnut + Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted Walnut Oil + Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar

Tuscan Herb EVOO + Peach Balsamic Vinegar

Pairing Ideas for Balsamic Vinegars

PAIRINGS BY BALSAMIC - fruit & salad dressings and marinades

Blueberry Balsamic + Lemon EVOO

Cinnamon Pear Balsamic + Roasted Walnut

Coconut Balsamic + Butter = Coco Butter
Coconut Balsamic + Lemon EVOO
Coconut Balsamic + Roasted Sesame Seed Oil

Dark Chocolate Balsamic + Blood Orange EVOO
Dark Chocolate Balsamic + Chipotle EVOO
Dark Chocolate Balsamic + Coconut Balsamic

Espresso Balsamic + Blood Orange EVOO

Fig Balsamic + Garlic EVOO

Grapefruit Balsamic + Herbs de Provence EVOO

Honey Ginger Balsamic + Persian Lime EVOO

Lavender Balsamic + Herbs de Provence EVOO
Lavender Balsamic + Lime EVOO

Oregano + Garlic EVOO
Oregano + Lemon EVOO

Peach + Tuscan Herb EVOO

Pomegranate Balsamic + Garlic EVOO
Pomegranate Balsamic + Persian Lime EVOO

Pumpkin + Roasted Walnut

Raspberry Balsamic + Lemon EVOO

Red Apple Balsamic + Hojiblanca EVOO
Red Apple Balsamic + Roasted Walnut Oil

Strawberry Balsamic & Basil EVOO
Strawberry Balsamic + Lemon EVOO

Traditional Balsamic + ANY EVOO

Vanilla Balsamic + Blood Orange EVOO

August is National Olive Oil Month!

Did you know there was a holiday celebrating the wonders of olive oil? We love olive oil for many reasons: it's a great way to add subtle flavors to many recipes, it's easy to cook, grill and bake with, and it's heart healthy. Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, a.k.a. the same healthy fats found in avocados. These fats have been shown to lower your risk of heart disease, lower your total cholesterol, and may even be helpful in regulating insulin levels and blood sugar.

Check out what our friends at The Latin Kitchen are cooking up this month - plus find out their 10 healthy ways to swap in the olive oil - click here now!