Bad joke alert: this graffiti is right up our alley!
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Daily Bite: Rachael Ray’s Aglio e Olio with Farro Spaghetti, Kale & Hazelnut Breadcrumbs
“Aglio e olio, a classic Italian sauce from the Abruzzo region, means ‘garlic and oil.’” says Rachael.
In cooking there are some things you can cut corners on, and some you shouldn’t. For example, puff pastry: Made from scratch, the toilsome dough is only marginally better than the stellar store-bought varieties. But one thing that you can’t fake? When cooking, good-quality olive oil makes a world of difference in your final product.
Ever scouting for new ingredients, my mother discovered the gourmet EVOO shop We Olive, in Ventura, California, on a trip to the Santa Barbara farmers’ market—and, lucky me, has been sharing their wares with me ever since! They have a dazzling display of condiments and vinegars, but, as the name suggests, they live for EVOO (just like Rach!). With more than 200 local California olive oils on offer, there’s one for every dish—I’m particularly fond of the Meyer Lemon variety, which dresses up summertime watermelon salads, brightens wintertime tagines and can even make unexpected appearances in desserts. But don’t let your experimenting stop there—bold lavender, basil, habanero and yuzu oils add punch to any dish on your menu. Pamper your pantry with a visit to their online shop!
—Alexa Weibel, Senior Copy Editor
Health hit: EVOO that’s better for you
Everyone knows EVOO is healthy. The phytochemicals in olives, which protect you from disease, are vulnerable to heat; “extra- virgin” oils are processed with minimal heat, so nutrients are preserved. (Same goes for EVOO labeled “first cold-pressed.”)
But heat isn’t the only enemy of nutrients (and flavor). Time also takes a toll. “Buying extra-virgin is good, but making sure it’s fresh is even more important,” says Dan Flynn, head of the UC Davis Olive Center, a leading olive oil research facility. “The ‘best before’ date should be at least one year out to ensure that the oil is still tasty and rich in good-for-you compounds.”
—Lambeth Hochwald
From our September 2012: Italian Issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray
EVO-OOOohhh
EVOO isn’t just for the kitchen, these soaps use olive oil’s moisturizers and antioxidants to work skin magic.
(Pictured from top to bottom)
1. Alighiero Campostrini Fruttato, $8.50, bigelowchemists.com 2. Soap Cartel Naked Truth, $9, soapcartel.com 3. Volta Organics ginger and grapefruit, $6, voltasoap.com 4. Kiss My Face olive oil and green tea, $3, kissmyface.com 5. Olivia Care moisturizing olive oil, $7.50, oliviacare.com 6. Lather lavender- lime, $8, lather.com
—Kara M. Murphy
From our September 2012 Italian Issue of Every Day with Rachael Ray
Daily Bite: Only 11 more days to celebrate National Ice Cream month! Savor this surprisingly delicious Olive Oil Gelato. The citrus peels bring out the fruity flavors in the olive oil, making a savory condiment taste sweet!
