Impressed

California's own olives pressed to perfection. Inspired by pressing facilities of Italy and Southern France, Award-Winning Olive Oil Maker and Olive Queen, Deborah Rogers has made her mark in the olive industry with award to prove her hard work is worth it. Her impressive opperation turns-out high quality olive oils sought after by chef and culinarians going toe-to-toe with European imported products. 

Drizzle, Dip and Drool.

Great for dipping fresh bread or drizzle on bruschetta.

Tasting Notes:
A blend of three fruity olive oils, this MEDIUM Intensity oil is a crowd-pleaser.  It has green grass and tropical flavors, enhanced by a fruity peppery finish.

Suggested Pairings:
Because of its complex flavor profile ranging from fruity to peppery, Master Blend pairs well with all types of cuisine.  It brings out the more robust flavors of roasted vegetables, bean purees, spreads and homemade salad vinaigrettes.  A perfect "every day" olive oil.

The Olive Press is dedicated to anything and everything having to do with olives and olive oil. Visiting one of the tasting rooms in Sonoma and Napa is an experience. The best and freshest award winning California extra virgin olive oils are offered for tasting, along with a variety of vinegars for unusual, creative and sometimes explosive pairings.  In the artisan & gourmet gift shop you’ll find many unique and distinctive items and a variety of culinary delights for the chef and novice alike.

George's Bruschetta 
Recipe by Chef George Hirsch | Makes 6 Servings | From Grilling with Chef George Hirsch | The cookbook By George Hirsch with Marie Bianco © 1994

3 cups seeded and diced plum tomatoes
24 cloves caramelized garlic
2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon capers, rinsed
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 slices round country- style bread, sliced 3/4 inch thick
1/4 cup olive oil
6 basil leaves, chopped
Grated parmesan cheese 

To make the topping, combine the tomtoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, capers, salt and pepper.

Brush the bread on both sides with olive oil and grill 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Press down on the bread with a spatula so that the bread picks up grill marks.

When the bread is grilled, top off the slices evenly with the tomato mixture and place them in a foil pan on the grill. Close the hood and heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan and sprinkle each bruschetta with basil and parmesan cheese.

Handmade Ravioli

This is a special dish I like to prepare around the holidays. Preparing handmade ravioli requires extra time and attention, but it's so worth all the effort. I have included a step-by-step for the dough and recipe for the filling. Maybe this week you can make an extra special dish for visiting relatives. Have everyone pitch in- the more cooking, the merrier. 

Handmade Ravioli Recipe, Filling and ravioli dough

Time For Glühwein

During the Christmas season many German town centers have street markets with stalls selling cookies, arts and crafts, wooden toys and other festive items. Almost every street corner seems to boast Bratwurst and Glühwein stalls. Light a roaring fire and pour yourself a small glass of warm, spicy red wine. Below is a basic recipe, but in Germany vendors will offer you additional flavorings such as elderberry cordial or a shot of dark rum. At home, spike it too, if you choose.

Heat your Glühwein in a large saucepan on the stove or in a large jug in the microwave, but don't let it boil or the alcohol will evaporate. If you want a less alcoholic drink, then mix in apple juice or water. 

pk-photo | istock

Glühwein Recipe

Chef George Hirsch | Makes 6 servings

1 bottle full-bodied red wine
1 small lemon
6 orange slices
10 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
4-6 Tablespoons sugar
3 ounces brandy

Preparation

Pour the wine into a large saucepan. Cut the lemon in quarters. Stick the cloves into the rind of one quarter. Slice the rest thinly. Add the lemon quarter and orange slices to the pan with the cinnamon and sugar. Heat slowly until hot, but do not allow to boil. Add brandy and serve in heatproof glasses or small cups Place a metal teaspoon in the glass before adding the hot liquid to prevent glass from breaking.