Winter 2017
Issue No. 16



"Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate."
-- Alan D. Wolfelt

If you watch cooking channels on TV, you have heard phrases like "that's the chef on a plate" or "you can taste the love in this dish". It is a reality that cooking and food are expressions of love. When someone cares enough to cook something inspired for another, it is from the heart.

In this newsletter, we offer some simple recipes of love. Three easy expressions with a short list of ingredients and very little time in the kitchen. We also introduce you to our new love - our baby, if you will - a new olive oil we are quite proud of. So make yourself a cup of the hot chocolate with a splash of balsamic (recipe below), grab a biscotti, and take a comfy seat near the fire.  Please enjoy our latest.
Our Newest Oil! 



We take California finely minced sundried tomatoes, combine them with harissa paste, and dissolve the blend in our finest California extra virgin olive oil. Add a touch of our balsamic vinegar from Modena and shallots and behold, a vivid sweet and slightly spicy condiment!

If you are not familiar with harissa, it is a spicy and aromatic chili paste that's a widely-used staple in North African and Middle Eastern cooking. Harissa varies between countries and regions, but typically it is a blend of hot chili peppers (which are often smoked), garlic, olive oil and spices, like cumin, coriander and paprika. Oh, and by the way? Harissa and tomatoes are magical together!

Our flavor-packed Sundried Tomato with Harissa Oil can be used as an enhancement for many foods. Use it as a marinade for meat and fish. Blend it into hummus, or any of your favorite dips. Use it to liven up your pizza. Try it on pasta, or in vegetable salads. Most of all? We love it alongside a crusty baguette... it's bread-dipping heaven!

We sell our new oil in 12.7 and 6 ounce bottles, like our other oils. Our tall bottle is $21, the small bottle is $13. You can find out how to purchase it here.
Valentine's KISS* Recipes 
~~~
(*keep it simple, stupid!)
~~~ 
Three easy, super simple recipes with balsamic vinegar 
you can create as a treat for your loved one!


Balsamic Hot Chocolate

ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, whisking occasionally until melted and combined. 1 or 2 servings in a small mug.

Note: This recipe works just as well, if not better, using our Pastamore Raspberry Balsamic, our Dark Sweet Cherry Balsamic, or for a double chocolate jolt, our Dark Chocolate Balsamic!


Lemongrass Balsamic Spritzer
 

ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 mint sprigs
  • 2 tablespoons Pastamore Lemongrass White Balsamic Vinegar
  • dry sparkling wine, such as a Brut (or club soda for a non-alcoholic version)
  • lemon slice as garnish
Muddle the lemon juice, mint and Lemongrass Balsamic in a small bowl. Strain and divide the mixture into two large wine glasses. Add four or five ounces of the sparkling wine, and garnish with the lemon. Serves 2


Balsamic Shrimp Cocktail
 

ingredients
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Pastamore Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • 12 large prawns, deveined, cooked and peeled
  • parsley sprig (optional as garnish)
Mix first three ingredients in a small bowl, allow to chill for a couple of hours in the fridge (flavors will meld). Carefully spoon a small amount of sauce into the bottom of two martini glasses (you will have extra cocktail sauce). Arrange 6 shrimp evenly around each glass. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serves 2 as an appetizer.

An expanded version of each of these recipes is available on our Recipe Blog, here
This was our best effort to inspire, so now it's your turn... Go on, put love on a plate (cup or glass) for someone special in your life! 
 
Take Care & Happy Cooking! 
 
Nan & Brad 
Nan's Gourmet Foods
In This Issue

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Upcoming Shows

 
(unless specifically noted, all events are in California)



February 10, 11, 12
Solano Home & Garden Show 
- Dixon

February 17, 18, 19
Alameda Home & Garden Show
- Pleasanton

February 25
Elks Spring Fashion Show
- Carmichael


 
 

March 3, 4, 5
Fresno Home & Garden Show
- Fresno

March 3, 4, 5
Sacramento Home & Garden Show
- Sacramento

March 17, 18, 19
Sonoma Home & Garden Show
- Santa Rosa

March 18
Murphys Irish Day
- Murphys

March 18, 19
Dublin St. Patrick's Day Celebration
- Dublin

March 24, 25, 26
Yuba City Home & Garden Show
- Yuba City

March 25, 26
Art & Craft Festival
- San Juan Bautista


  



April 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
San Francisco Flower & Garden
- San Mateo

April 7, 8, 9
Contra Costa Home & Garden Show
- Concord

April 22, 23
Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show
- Grass Valley

April 22, 23
Apple Blossom Festival
- Sebastopol

April 28, 29, 30
Napa-Solano Home & Garden Show
- Napa

April 29
Lincoln Wine Fest
- Lincoln

April 29
Hoofbeats in the Vineyard
- Forestville

April 29
Sonora Spring Festival
- Sonora

April 30
Kelseyville Olive Festival
- Kelseyville



 
Please Note: 
This list is current as of our February publication date.

Additions and cancellations occur, so be sure and check our website for the most accurate information.  You can find our show list here. 
Don't forget about our ever expanding  blog of easy recipes!  Click here to see what we have added since our last newsletter!