Posted on Leave a comment

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

Posted on Leave a comment

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)

Posted on Leave a comment

Truffled Popcorn

Ingredients:

  •  1/3 cup popcorn kernels
  • 2 T melted butter
  • 2 T truffle oil
  • 1 T minced parsley
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Preparation:

  • Prepare popcorn according to package directions.
  • Place warm popcorn in a bowl.  Toss with butter, truffle oil, parsley, cheese and salt and pepper to taste.

Reprinted from Patrick O’Connell’s recipe (chef at Virginia’s Inn at Little Washington)

Posted on Leave a comment

Suzanne’s Easy Croutons

Ingredients
Oli + Ve Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Oli + Ve Romano Cheese Topper
Bread (Baguette or Striatta type bread that is older is best)

Directions
Cut bread into cubes and put into large bowl. Drizzle Garlic EVOO on top, toss to mix. Sprinkle on sea salt and Romano Cheese topper to desired taste. Bake in 300 degree oven until desired crispness. Simple!!

Posted on Leave a comment

Smoothie

Combine the following in a blender:

  • Almond Milk (Can use regular milk or even water – almond milk is my preference)
  • Chia or Flax Seed (Optional)
  • Whey or Soy Protein – I use Body by Vi Sweet Cream flavor rather than Chocolate or Vanilla
  • Frozen Fruit – Strawberries, Mango, Blueberries, Blackberries, Pineapple, Peaches, Raspberries, Bananas, Apples, Etc.
  • Keifur Probiotic – Any Flavor (Greek Yogurt is another great option)
  • Coconut Extract – Optional (This really gives it a tropical taste no matter what fruit you put in it)
  • Oli & Ve Flavor Options (About a tablespoon for a 24 oz. smoothie) – Fig Balsamic, Red Apple Balsamic, Blood Orange Fused Olive Oil, Peach  Balsamic(Any fruit flavor or something that would compliment fruit would work perfectly fine)

Blend together and enjoy!  I try and mix up what I put in each of these to change up the flavors.  Spinach and kale are good additions, as well as almond butter (sold at Oli & Ve) and event oatmeal!  The options of what you can put in these are pretty much endless.

Contributed by:  Caitlin Davidson