Oil and Vinegar

August 9, 2013 — 10 Comments

The classic oil and vinegar combination, used for salad and other dishes, has taken on new epic proportions in Tucson.  Alfonso Gourmet Oil and Balsamics offers a wide variety of super high quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars.  I have used them for over a year and have virtually stopped buying any dressing in a bottle.  I have found additional ways to use both the oils and vinegars,seasoning roasted veggies and even love the vinegars on ice cream and in cocktails.  My list of favorites expands every time I go back to the store.

Tom Alfonso, the gracious owner, recently completed a course followed by a certification exam to become a professional olive oil taster.  He said it was intense, with three days of learning and savoring.  He just found out that he did pass the exam and is now a certified olive oil professional.  I am very pleased he and his wife decided to carry these extraordinary products right next to my bank drive through window, very near my home. It is a fun extravagance that improves our meals every day.  The bottles last for a very long time since  a very small amount produces big flavor results.

The recycle punch card bonus system reminds you to bring the bottle back..then you try a few new items, check out the sales, leaving with a whole new culinary profile with which to play.  Today my new item is a grassy, very green, high note olive oil from Australia.  It is both delicious and unlike any other oil I have tasted.  It is not flavored, but I have recently received a lovely gift of special Australian herbs in a combo box from a friend down under.  This will be an exciting paring with greens, tomatoes and avocado. Freshness spikes the flavor in the olive oil that reduces the need for other seasonings.  I will sauté with it as well as dressing salads.

The ginger blackberry balsamic I refilled today is an ingredient in a cocktail I love to make and drink, the Gas Streak.  The example calls for ginger rice wine vinegar, which I am sure is nice, but the blackberry adds punch and the balsamic is fabulous with the burned sugar taste.  Enjoy!