T'was the night for giving

"The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven." - Thomas Jefferson

I am on page 148 of Mort Rosenblum's Olives and loving every page. I realize it is all very subjective but I hope to make some sense of his history of olives and determine the current leader of olive production as far as a great mix of quality and passion for the fruit. Mort has a great way of bringing the passion to life.

This Christmas as brought me closer to olives with a number of thoughtful gifts. I received a bottle of California Marsala EVOO which I have already used half a bottle of to make Eggplant Tonnato from Peggy Knickerbocker's cookbook, Olive Oil From Table To Tree. Nice recipe albeit on the very salty side. I need to rinse the anchovies next time! Kirsten made Peggy's Orange Ginger Cake, which was an instant family hit.

I also received a few olive oil bath products from The Body Shop via Santa: Olive Shower Gel, Olive Body Butter, Olive Body Scrub and Olive Glossing Shampoo. So far I have used a few drops of the shower gel in the tub for a nice foaming experience leaving my skin moist in this New York winter dryness.

Finally, I got a gift of an Italian olive tree adoption from Nudo in Le Marche. My tree lives in the Rosalio grove and is 38 years old. The variety is Leccino. This spring I will recieve a few litres of oil followed by infused oil in autumn. To make this gift complete, I would love to go to the fall harvest and meet my tree, water it, and give it a hug! It's great to get a living, breathing gift.

Reading Olives

"...I like them all, but especially the olive. For what it symbolizes, first of all - peace with its leaves and joy with its golden oil." - Aldous Huxley

My friend Kenn lent me the Mort Rosenblum book Olives, The Life and Lore of a Noble Fruit at our holiday party last night. I'm only on page 6 but already in love with it. I am about to get even more connected to olives.

Good times.

Olive oil and cheese

Olive oil can be used as a nice preservative for complimentary foods. But because olive oil should be used at its freshest, the end product should not be stored too long. Olives can also be cured in olive oil to give them a more buttery character instead of a more salt cure process taste. The accompanying picture was taken at the Union Square, Manhattan farmer's market where everything is about being fresh. The label says that the feta is packed in olive oil, not extra virgin or even virgin. This implies that the amount of olive oil may be in question as it can be mixed with other oils as well. The reasoning from the farmer is that extra virgin olive oil would impart to much flavor to the cheese, so using a the mildest olive oil works the best. Sometimes, the olive oil needs to play second fiddle and act as a preserve. The results are stunning!
PS - Olive oil is a natural juice that preserves the taste, aroma, vitamins and other properties of the olive fruit. 

The Miracle that is Olive Oil

Life was in shambles during the first Hanukkah. But then by miracle, olive oil meant to last one day, burned for eight days, the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate more fresh olive oil. A process of renewing faith in the aftermath of oppression, and rebuild the ruins of the Temple, restoring oil to their lamps and faith to their hearts. The Bible contains 140 references to Olive Oil and the Koran and Hadith mention the value of Olive Oil several times. The first mention of the olive in the Bible is the olive leaf that the dove returned to Noah, signifying peace and restoration from the devastating flood. Olive oil was used in the holy anointing oil to consecrate priests, and instruments of the sanctuary, and the sick. Olive trees and vineyards are part of the blessings God gave to Israel. Very holy stuff indeed. Some call it liquid gold.

The value of olives have been sacred for some 6000 years. Something that is just pure, simple, communal, and healthy - an elixir of the Gods. Personally, I would like to extend an olive branch to everyone in this season of peace and merriment!

Bark of an Olive Tree

Olive trees get old and gnarly, very old. But even as young trees they will appear weathered and rugged. This one year old tree already has a beautiful knot. It's bark is rough to the touch and looks dry. This aged characteristic of olive trees reminds me of the history of this tree. How throughout the ages it has come to symbolize ancient societies and simple pleasures. A token of an olive branch sends the message of peace and mutual understanding. Yet, does this tree even flower?
PS - olive harvests appear to be high around the world this fall. I think its a good omen.

The van speaks to me

I snapped this photo while waiting in line at the 24th Street Whole Foods. Was very happy to see the van decorated with a olive motif, showcasing olives as sign of purity and health. It does give me that special quality of wholesomeness.

Love it!

Delish Olive Oil Cake

My lovely Kirsten is a marvel with cooking and with most everything else she creates. Per my birthday request she baked me a lovely olive oil cake. This means replacing butter for olive oil. Not only is this a more nutritious cake, but it also has a unique flavor that compliments coffee. That's right, similar to the synergy between wine and cheese, olive oil cake and coffee gives you that X factor. Coffee cake has always been a direct compliment to coffee, but if you have not had the olive oil combination, do it now. The first sip of coffee with a mouth full of the cake will knock your socks off. Some birthday wishes do come true. Cheers! Please ignore the face on that plate, it is super delish!