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Cream of Roasted Pepper and Tomato Soup with Tuscan Herb EVOO

Ingredients

2 – 28 oz. cans tomato puree
1/2 cup white wine 
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 
2 large red bell peppers, roasted, seeded, peeled and chopped, or one jar of roasted red peppers, drained & chopped
3 tablespoons Tuscan Herb Olive Oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch fresh basil leaves washed, dried, & torn, reserving 6 small sprigs for garnish
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup grated Romano Cheese 
1 cup heavy cream 
sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste 

Directions

In a medium (5+ quart) heavy stock pot, heat one tablespoon of Tuscan Herb Olive Oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent, for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Add the white wine and reduce by half.

Add the chicken stock, roasted peppers, tomato puree, basil leaves and oregano to the pot. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the hot soup until smooth and creamy in consistency. Add the heavy cream and Romano Cheese and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve individual bowls of soup drizzled with approximately one teaspoon of Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and a sprig of basil. Serve immediately.

Serves 4-6

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Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup

Ingredients

* 2 1/2 lbs. heirloom (or conventional) tomatoes, peeled and cut into big pieces
* 1 clove garlic
* 6 leaves basil, plus extra for garnish
* 4 tbsp. Oli + Ve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 2 tbsp. Oli + Ve Red Wine Vinegar
* 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 pinch salt
* 2 pinches sugar
* 2 cucumbers, peeled
* 1 red watermelon
* 1 golden watermelon (if available)

Directions

1. Puree tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and vinegar in a food processor. Put mixture in a pot and add chicken stock, salt and sugar. Heat soup until warm. Place pot in a large bowl filled with ice. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours. 

2. Use a melon baller to scoop out cucumber and watermelon. Place in bowls. Add soup. Garnish with basil. Serve.

Serves 6 to 8

(adapted from Greenbrier resort)

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Caprese Salad

INGREDIENTS

  • Fresh Tomatoes
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
  • Oli+Ve Traditional Style Balsamic
  • Any choice of Oli+Ve Extra Virgin Olive Oil

DIRECTIONS

  • Slice tomatoes and put on platter.
  • Slice the mozzarella cheese into a thickness based upon your preference (1/4” – 1/2”) and place on tomato slices.
  • Wash and dry Basil Leaves and place on top of mozzarella (either chopped up or whole pieces).
  • Drizzle top with Traditional Style Balsamic and your choice of any EVOO.
  • Let tomatoes sit for 5 minutes or longer to allow flavors to meld.
  • If you add salt and pepper, do it immediately before serving to avoid the salt pulling the juices from the tomatoes.
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Baked Tomato Salad

INGREDIENTS

  • Your favorite Oli+Ve EVOO
  • Large, ripe summer tomatoes
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Minced fresh parsley
  • Minced fresh basil (or cilantro)
  • 1 jar roasted red peppers (or homemade), chopped
  • Dry bread crumbs
  • Capers

DIRECTIONS

  • Choose a baking dish for the number of servings you desire. Preheat oven to 475
  • Pour a good film of olive oil in the bottom of your dish.
  • Cut the tomatoes in 1/4” slices and put in a single layer in the baking dish.
  • Salt and pepper lightly—sprinkle over all a pinch of parsley, a pinch of basil then a layer of sliced roasted red peppers.
  • Repeat the process (tomatoes, condiments, peppers) and add one more layer
  • Drizzle over all a little olive oil, cover lightly with bread crumbs and sprinkle with capers. Bake 20 minutes. Chill well before serving.