Encyclopedia of Pasta

In a stunning new development, the New York Times has …. oh nevermind. Why be dramatic? NYT has simply published a great article, So You Think You Know Pasta, with all of the pasta history that could be investigated by an archeologist or historian.  The Encyclopedia of Pasta It’s fascinating — with wonderful photography as well. It makes us ready for our next meal! If only we had a kitchen at the Olio2go warehouse. Alas, I’ll have to cook at home tonight.  Pasta and olive oil…

A grove in Tuscany

According to Psychology Today, new research shows that the Mediterranean Diet is linked to a lower incidence of Depression!  We feel happier already! At Olio2go, you can enjoy 85+ extra virgin olive oil selections and other goodies from the Mediterranean Diet including balsamic vinegar, fig jam, Genovese Pesto, and Chestnut Honey.

Sunday’s Los Angeles Times has a great How I Made It piece featuring noted chef, Mario Batali.  From his writings, we know he’s a big fan of olive oil in general and Capezzana in particular. Here are Olio2go’s favorite quotes from the Times piece:

Essential ingredient: Extra virgin olive oil. “I use it in just about every single thing I ever make, including desserts.”

Key to Italian cooking: “It’s less about the hand of the chef and more about the quality of the ingredients. The greatest dishes in Italian cooking have removed all that white noise and it’s all about that little noodle and the perfect peas and the Parmesan,” he said.

Vicidomini Eliche Cascarecce -- It's pasta!

Around here we’re calling it “Vici”  (VEE-chee) — that’s the Vicidomini artisanal pasta from a family that’s been making pasta commercially since 1812. (Do I hear an overture?) Vicidomini comes to us from near Salerno in Campania — the land of buffalo mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes! No wonder they have the best pasta. It’s well priced at $6.50 per 500 gram bag. Try it with a local olive oil such as Gargiulo’s Syrenum DOP Penisola Sorrentina 2008 or a Sicilian, Santisi 2008.

Washington Post Online

We’re thrilled with today’s mention ~ Olive Oil with Pedigree ~  in the Washington Post food blog, All We Can Eat!

It was so fun to be interviewed by Jane Black, and even better to see the story in pixels.

She did a great job with our focus on the best Italian extra virgin olive oils and pantry products. Kudos to San Damiano, Olio Beato, Olio Verde, Marfuga L’affiorante, Villa Cappelli and Casa Forcelli Mostarda!

Villa Cappelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Our friend Kirk Leins has a great and useful site, Notimetocookdinner. We recently had fun with the “Chocolate Olive Oil Cake” discussion and  participated by test-baking the cake with Villa Cappelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Puglia. The cake rose beautifully and evenly, and resulted in a moist cake with a great texture.  There were rave reviews both in the office and at home. Simply, divinely, spectacular! Give it a try. You’ll find the discussion and recipe here.

Roasted Tomatoes

The bounty of summer is upon us and each day features meals with  fresh produce and great olive oil from Olio2go!

–A lightly prepared tomato “sauce” with heirloom tomatoes, fresh garlic, and basil — and Frantoio di Sommaia.

–Small plum heirloom tomatoes roasted with a a splash of Principe di Mascio DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil and dash of Canonica Verde’s Umbrian Spice Blend

–Roasted vegetables: eggplant, zucchini, onion, sweet red peppers — all with Santisi Extra Virgin Olive Oil

–Insalata Caprese with yellow tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella — swirled with Principe di Mascio

Enjoy all that summer has to offer!

Found this in Reader’s Digest….

18. Fall in love with olive oil. A study found that people who consumed about 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil daily for just one week had lower LDL and higher levels of antioxidants in their blood.

The only thing better would be extra virgin olive oil. We’ll bet you know where to find the best heart healthy olive oil: Olio2go. com

Mascio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Our friend, Mrs. Gioia Pinna at Principe di Mascio, has sent us three authentic recipes to share with our customers. These are best with Principe di Mascio DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  The recipes were just added today at Olio2go.