Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sciabica Jalapeno Olive Oil


Anyone within earshot of the kitchen has heard me sing the praises of this condiment. It enhances the natural flavors of vegetables, amplifying their flavor without calling attention to itself. The best descriptive adjectives for this liquid "miracle in a bottle" are the words bright and fresh. Sciabica, a local family owned and operated olive oil producer, has blended jalapeno peppers into a flavor enhancing condiment that positively illuminates the taste of green vegetables in particular. I recommend it especially on broccoli, spinach, broccoli rabe, and swiss chard.

The olive oil used in this product is decidedly buttery in flavor. Although we normally associate heat with jalapenos, this application exhibts more spice than heat. If you want your vegetables to pack a wallop when it comes to flavor, this just may be the help you need. Drizzle is the operative word when using it. Steam, saute, or roast your vegetable, drizzle on the oil and add salt; it's as simple as that. The complexity of Sciabica Jalapeno Olive Oil makes a simply prepared vegetable seem like much more than a side dish.

It can be purchased at the Ferry Plaza Market on Saturdays, or through the Sciabica website.

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