Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Growing up, I learned how to cook and bake by first watching and then working alongside my Italian Nana. She shared all our family recipes -- all of which didn't come with specific measurements like 1 tsp. of this, a cup of this. Instead, she used the palm of her hand to measure out dry ingredients, and eye balled liquid ingredients. So, when I tried to write down recipes to save and make again, I couldn't. And, when I asked her for specific measurements, she had no idea, and just told me I had to watch and learn. I was lucky to have my Nana around through my teen years, and soaked up all my time with her in the kitchen -- which was both of our happy places. To this day, I make a point to put on her apron each and every time I start cooking or baking in the kitchen. And, one thing I learned from her early on in my kitchen experience is that not all ingredients are the same, and you have to play close attention to what you are using. She always made her own vanilla extract, or if in a pinch had a go-to brand she used. EVOO was no different. She would have family and friends who were traveling back to Italy stock up and bring home her favorite brand, and would always say, "A little goes a long way" or "Make sure you use the right EVOO for what you are making."
I had no idea what she meant with the latter comment at first as I thought all olive oils were the same. That was until she brought me to a local market and we sampled different ones. She explained which ones were good for sauteing, which to use for dipping oils, which ones to use when marinating meats, and there was even one for finishing or drizzling over pasta or bruschetta before serving guests. My Nana was a pro in the kitchen and took the time to teach me the proper techniques and cooking styles to make successful and authentic Italian dishes, as well as quick fixes for when homemade sauces are too watery or lack flavor, creating flavorful soup stocks in a pinch, etc. I cherished all my time with her, and now love to share what I learned from my Nana with my two girls.
Whenever my girls get in the kitchen with me, I make a point to remind them about EVOO and see if they know which one to grab for a particular dish or recipe. I can't help but smile when they grab the right, or correct each other with a full explanation about notes and flavors and the need to use a bold EVOO or one for sauteing so it doesn't spit all over the place when on the stovetop. I wish my Nana was still around to tell her she taught me well, and to see my girls getting more and more comfortable in the kitchen each and every day. Who knows? Maybe one day they were be even better than me, and serving me up authentic family recipes that they put their own unique spin on that wows everyone's pallete.
When thinking about what I wanted to include in my holiday gift guide this year, one thing I wanted to make a point to include because I was sharing a handful of cookbooks for all levels of cooking and baking expertise was EVOO. While researching different brands, I was contacted by the owner and creator of Evie EVOO and asked if I wanted to sample her line of small-batch, cold-pressed olive oils. After checking out her website and product offering, I jumped at the opportunity.
The Evie Smooth EVOO is Perfect for Every Day Cooking and Finishing
Not only were these 100% Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oils affordable -- you really do have to pay a little more than supermarket price to get top quality -- but, they were also organically grown in CA, of single-origin, and early harvest -- all things that are key to a good quality EVOO.
Evie Bold EVOO is Perfect for Dipping, Dressings, Marinades, and Finishing
I was sent the Evie Olive Oil Holiday Gift Set, Small Batch #3202, which included a bottle each of their signature Smooth and Bold EVOOS, that comes packaged in a lovely gift box that is ready for gifting, along with a handwritten include that you personalize at checkout.
"Available in beautifully designed bottles, Evie Olive Oil makes for an elegant, thoughtful present—ideal for hosts, chefs, or anyone who appreciates quality."
You can tell that a lot of thought goes into the Evie EVOO brand --from top quality pure olive oil right down to the lovely and thoughtful packaging.
I really liked the peppery finish of the Evie Bold Olive Oil. It has been a staple at our dining table at dinners when we have fresh bread and dipping oil. After sampling this particular brand, I can say that it will be one of my go-to brands from now on. The quality of this small-batch EVOO really can be tasted with each dish I cook up, and adds a truly robust flavor you don't get with other common EVOO that aren't small batch olive oils.
No comments :
Post a Comment