This salad combines the flavors of sweet, creamy, and peppery all in one. Using the combination of Grapefruit Balsamic and Lemon Olive Oil gives it a fresh ingot tangy flavor.  Ingredients:1/4 Cup ricotta salada1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated1 Tablespoon Grapefruit Balsamic Vinegar 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard4 teaspoons Lemon Olive Oil, plus a drizzle for ricotta mix2 Tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds3 Cups arugula or your favorite mixed greens3 medium apricots, cut into quartersSalted pepper to tasteMethod:Combine ricotta, a drizzle of olive oil, zest, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. In another bowl combine vinegar, mustard, and...

Bread salads are made different ways all over the world, depending on the culture. Here is a basic recipe that can be modified using your desired flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's a great way to use leftover bread and can be eaten as a side dish or main course. Try adding grilled chicken or steak for a hardy meal!Ingredients:1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil6 cloves garlic, crushed4 Cups crusty bread, cut into bite sized chunks 1 Cup red onion, diced3 Cups tomatoes, cut into bite sized chunks1/4 Cup Feta or Mozzarella cheese, whichever you prefer3 Tablespoons White...

This is a simple syrup that can be made ahead of time. It can be added to roasted veggies, salads, grilled meats, or desserts. Try using your favorite flavor of Dark Balsamic!Ingredients:2/3 Cup Traditional Balsamic Vinegar 1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar, packedMethod:In a non reactive sauce pan, combine sugar and balsamic. Boil over medium low heat for about 3 minutes stirring it constantly using a wooden spoon. You will know its ready when its thick and syrupy. Syrup will stay fresh for about a month in a sealed container, keep refrigerated. Makes about 1/4 Cup

Balsamic reductions or glazes add so much flavor to whatever dish they are added to. The sweet and tangy combination is great on salads, as a finishing sauce for grilled meat, as a dip for veggies, or over ice cream! When making a reduction use a non-reactive pan such as stainless steel. Ingredients:1 Cup Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Method:Place Vinegar in a small non-reactive saucepan over medium low heat, slowly bring to a simmer. Let simmer on stove for about 10 minutes until Vinegar has reduced down. Watch this carefully as it can burn easily. When the vinegar coats the back...

  A hint of fresh, ripe raspberries mixed with Cilantro and sweet cippolini onion flavor makes this combination special every time.  Ingredients:4 Tablespoons Cilantro & Roasted Onion Olive Oil 3 Tablespoons Dark Raspberry Balsamic1 clove garlic, minced1 Tablespoon honey1 Tablespoon dijon mustard Salt & Pepper to tasteMethod:Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and shake to combineMakes about 1/2 Cup

Using good quality, fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil and aged dark or white Balsamic makes exceptional vinaigrette. The typical proportion is 3 parts Oil to 1 part vinegar, or according to taste. Once you start making your own homemade vinaigrettes, you'll never go back to store bought again. This dressing will keep in the refrigerator for at least one week in a sealed container.  Ingredients:3/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 Cup Traditional Balsamic Vinegar2 Tablespoons water1/2 teaspoon honey1 large clove garlic, diced3/4 teaspoon saltA pinch of pepperMethod:Place all ingredients in a sealable container. When ready to serve, shake to...

This is a perfect go-to marinade and can be used on meat, chicken, and fish. It has just enough seasoning for tasty flavor, without being overpowering.Ingredients:1/2-1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Juice of 3-4 Limes4-5 cloves of Garlic, choppedHandful fresh Cilantro, choppedMethod:Place all ingredients in zip lock bag along with your choice of meat. Refrigerate overnight if possible. When ready to cook, remove meat and discard marinade. Pat meat dry, right before grilling add a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook as desired. Enough for 2 pounds of meat

The smoky flavor of chipotle chilis combined with lime juice makes for a savory taste with a bit of a kick! Tasty on chicken, steak, seafood, or veggies. Ingredients:1/2 Cup Chipotle Olive Oil 3 fresh limes- squeeze for 1/4 Cup juice - slices for garnish 1 Tablespoon minced garlic 2 teaspoons salt1 teaspoon pepperMethod:Mix all ingredients and place in a large ziplock bag with your favorite chicken, steak, seafood, or veggies. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, longer if you are able. When ready, remove food from marinade and cook as desired. Discard marinade.

Try any of your favorite seasoning blends in this super simple appetizer! Ingredients:8oz Cream Cheese, softened 8oz your favorite kind of hummus1/2 Cucumber, seeded and dicedGreek SeasoningTuscan Herb Olive Oil Method:Mix a few pinches of Greek Seasoning to softened cream cheese, mix thoroughly. Layer seasoned cream cheese, hummus, cucumber on a small serving plate. Sprinkle with more Seasoning and a drizzle of the olive oil. Serve with crackers, pita, or veggies!Serves 4-6

    This is a simple recipe that can be whipped up in a few minutes. Keep the ingredients in your pantry for perfect last minute appetizer. Ingredients: 2 15oz cans Garbanzo Beans, drained1/3 Cup Chipotle Olive Oil 1/3 Cup Lemon Juice 2 Tablespoons Roasted Sesame Oil2 large cloves Garlic, peeled1/2 Tablespoon Cumin, ground1 teaspoon salt or to tasteMethod:Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until smooth. Adjust seasonings if needed.Variations:-Try using Garlic, Lemon, Lime, or Milanese Gremolata Olive Oil instead of Chipotle.-Try adding in a can of drained roasted red peppers for a fun color and flavor.Serves...

  Keep a bag of frozen cooked shrimp in your freezer to have on hand for this tasty, healthy, and simple appetizer! Ingredients:1/2 Pound cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped1/2 Mango, diced (about 1 Cup)1/4 Cup red onion, finely chopped2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 Tablespoon lime juice2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated1/4 teaspoon saltPepper to taste 24 endive leaves or about 3 small headsMethod:Gently remove endive leaves from head and wash with cold water, allow to dry. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Spoon mixture into endive leaves...

  This is a tiny departure from the traditional tomato, mozzarella, and basil caprese and tastes just as good if not better! Ingredients:1 12oz Jar of Roasted Red Peppers2 Cloves Garlic, peeled and chopped1/4 Cup Basil Olive Oil 4 ounces Feta Cheese2 Tablespoons Fresh Chives, choppedSalt & Cracked Pepper to taste Method:To avoid tearing, carefully remove roasted red peppers from jar and drain well. Place peppers in a small bowl and cover with about half of the olive oil. Chop garlic and add to mix, along with salt to taste. Gently mix so as not to break up the pepper...