Warning: file_put_contents(): Only 0 of 3879 bytes written, possibly out of free disk space in /var/www/fpoo_website/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/wp-scss/class/class-wp-scss.php on line 77

Warning: file_put_contents(): Only 0 of 207 bytes written, possibly out of free disk space in /var/www/fpoo_website/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/wp-scss/class/class-wp-scss.php on line 77

Warning: file_put_contents(): Only 0 of 4580 bytes written, possibly out of free disk space in /var/www/fpoo_website/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/wp-scss/class/class-wp-scss.php on line 77

Warning: file_put_contents(): Only 0 of 66733 bytes written, possibly out of free disk space in /var/www/fpoo_website/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/wp-scss/class/class-wp-scss.php on line 77

Warning: file_put_contents(): Only 0 of 30763 bytes written, possibly out of free disk space in /var/www/fpoo_website/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/wp-scss/class/class-wp-scss.php on line 77

Warning: file_put_contents(): Only 0 of 934 bytes written, possibly out of free disk space in /var/www/fpoo_website/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/wp-scss/class/class-wp-scss.php on line 77

Warning: file_put_contents(): Only 0 of 2206 bytes written, possibly out of free disk space in /var/www/fpoo_website/httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/wp-scss/class/class-wp-scss.php on line 77
Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club
Pressing Report Page 57

Fresh Tomato Soup

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

Make this simple soup when sun-ripened tomatoes come into the market. If you’re unfamiliar with it, burrata is a water-packed, milky mozzarella-like cheese filled with cream. Substitute a spoonful of fresh ricotta if burrata is unavailable.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 carrot, finely diced
  • 2 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 3 pounds tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • Salt and pepper
  • Burrata cheese, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a small, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, basil and thyme. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in the tomatoes, along with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste. Simmer for 20 minutes to break down the tomatoes and marry the flavors.

Step 3

Remove from the heat and purée the soup in a blender or food processor. (Do not fill the blender jar more than half full with the soup; process in batches with a folded kitchen towel held firmly over the lid.) Strain the soup through a fine mesh strainer or food mill. Serve the soup hot, with a small spoonful of burrata and a drizzle of olive oil.

Serves 6 to 8 — Recipe from Angelini Osteria, Los Angeles, CA

Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Cake

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

This beautiful cake is dense, as it was originally adapted from a quick-bread recipe. Before juicing the lemon, remove the zest in long thin strips and reserve for a garnish.

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 3 eggs at room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups finely shredded and lightly drained zucchini
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries, a few reserved for garnish

For the Lemon Buttercream:

  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoons salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour or nonstick baking spray. (You can also line the bottoms of the pans with parchment rounds, if desired.)

Step 2

Make the cake: Grate a large zucchini (or two small zucchini) and place in a clean dish towel. Lift the edges of the towel up and squeeze some of the extra moisture out, but you do not want the zucchini to be dry. You want to have about 2 cups of shredded drained zucchini. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar with a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer. Fold in the zucchini.

Step 4

Slowly add in the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gently fold in the blueberries. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Step 5

Bake the cakes for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in the pans, then turn the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6

Make the Lemon Buttercream: Combine the butter, sugar, and salt and beat until smooth. Add the lemon juice and vanilla and continue to beat for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until creamy. Place the cake on a cakestand or plate. Frost the top with the Lemon Buttercream. Top with the second cake and frost the top generously. (If desired, you can frost the sides, too. We like the “naked” look.) Garnish with reserved blueberries. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 8 — Recipe adapted from iambaker.net

Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Bacon

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

My wife, Meghan, and I enjoyed this simple salad on the first day of our Chilean olive oil expedition, and we recreated it as soon as we returned to Asheville.

Ingredients

  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach, sliced
  • into 1/4-inch strips
  • 1 quart ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon honey, or more to taste
  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Place the bacon in a cold skillet and bring the heat to medium. Cook the bacon until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the bacon and reserve.

Step 2

Place the spinach and strawberries in an attractive serving bowl.

Step 3

Make the dressing: Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Whisk to mix. Taste, adding more honey or salt or pepper as needed. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to mix. Top with the reserved bacon and almonds, if using.

Serves 4 — Recipe courtesy of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Garlicky Herbed Chicken

Posted on by The Olive Oil Hunter

Halving or spatchcocking the chicken enables it to cook faster—a plus on busy weeknights. To spatchcock a bird, place it breast-side down and remove the backbone with kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Flatten with the palm of your hand.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • One 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, halved or spatchcocked
  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Toast the fennel seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small plate and let cool. Finely grind in a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle.

Step 2

Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle with half of the fennel; season generously with salt and pepper; set aside.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cook the bacon in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a medium bowl. Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of bacon fat. Increase the heat to medium-high and carefully place the chicken halves, skin side down, in the skillet, pressing down so skin makes good contact with the surface of the pan. Cook until the skin is golden brown and starting to crisp, about 5 minutes. Turn the chicken; transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.

Step 4

While the chicken rests, add the garlic, parsley, oil, lemon zest, thyme, red pepper flakes, and remaining fennel to the bacon. Mix well; season with salt and pepper. Serve the chicken drizzled with the pan juices and topped with the bacon mixture.

Serves 4 — Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit, October 2016