TIP OF THE DAY: Oil & Vinegar Triage

You can save money by keeping different grades of oil and vinegar for different purposes. For example, basic balsamic vinegar is slightly acidic and best used for salad dressings. The next grade up is significantly smoother, and should be used for finishing and for marinades. Trade up one more step and the balsamic has a…
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NEWS: “Fake” Olive Oil Drama Continues

Innocent or guilty? One of the well- known extra-virgin olive oils alleged to be not exactly extra-virgin. Last week we wrote about shadiness in the olive oil industry: In a study conducted by the Olive Center at the University of California at Davis, 69% of imported oils labeled as extra-virgin were not; 10% of California…
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NEWS: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Alert

Olive oil has long had its shady side. Purchasing a bottle of extra virgin is no guarantee of getting high quality, extra virgin oil. Studies over the years have pinpointed the shenanigans of some bottlers. The latest study, conducted by the USDA and the International Olive Council, showed that they continue. That container of EVOO…
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FATHER’S DAY: Gourmet Food Gifts

Dee Dee’s Gourmet Cheese Straws are great with a beer. Photo by Hannah Kaminsky | THE NIBBLE. While TheNibble.com and this blog are filled with gourmet food ideas, we’ve picked a few interesting and affordable gift ideas for Father’s Day: • Spicy cheese straws from Dee Dee’s Gourmet, in a reusable gift tin • Lucero…
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TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: Smoked Olive OIl

Say what? Say smoked olive oil. EEVO, meet SEEVO. We bought our first smoked olive oil several years ago. It was imported from Spain and was a very special product. But the world (or at least, the neighborhood) was not yet ready for smoked olive oil. It was discontinued by the store where we purchased…
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