Classic Hummus Dip

Our classic hummus recipe is a simple yet perfectly balanced, flavorful dip you can make in a matter of minutes at home. For this recipe we use traditional Middle Eastern spices to give the dip its warm, earthy, flavor and finish it with our spicy Harissa Olive Oil and Za'atar blend of spices which is a fragrant blend of dried thyme, oregano, toasty sesame seeds, and tart sumac.

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Creamy Sweet Onion Dip

This dip is sweet, savory, and creamy all at the same time.  Pair it with your favorite veggies and chips, use it on a burger, as a fry sauce, as a topping for a baked potato, or as a dipping sauce for grilled fish, chicken, steak, veggies, and just about everything. 

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Fresh Tomato Bruschetta

Traditionally we use basil but for this particular snack we used a combination of fresh oregano, fresh mint, and green onion which worked beautifully. 

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Middle Eastern Salad with Za’atar

This is one of our favorite simple salads; fresh and full of flavor enhanced with a hint of exotic spice. A simple yet impressive crowd pleaser.  Juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, tart and creamy Greek yogurt, brought together by a fresh and luxurious extra virgin olive oil and the perfect savory spice mixture.  

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Caramelized Pear on Warm Brie

When that first crisp morning arrives at the beginning of September, all I want to do is get to the market to pick up some pears and some Brie so I can eat this for dinner. During the holiday season I make this caramelized pear topping in massive quantities and store it in the fridge for last-minute guests. It’s quick and easy, and it even lands on toast or oatmeal (as long as no one is watching). Make sure to use a mild and fruity olive oil.

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Dukkah: Sesame and Coriander Dip

This is a classic Egyptian way to serve bread as a starter course, with other dips and “mezzeh” (appetizers), or alongside kebabs with a nice green salad.  This is also a fun gift idea to make as a hostess gift or for holiday gift giving. Portion dukkah into small mason jars along with a nice bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil!

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Blackberry Balsamic Vinegar Pork Belly with Honey Ginger Balsamic Mushroom

This dish won the Chef's favorite award from Alan Wong.  Once you try this dish you will understand why.  

 

 

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Golden Macadamia Nut Oil Poached Ho Farms Tomato Bruschetta

This Tomato Bruschetta is sure to impress at your next dinner party.  Ho Farms tomatos and Macadamia Nut oil really make this dish pop!

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Polenta squares topped with pesto or tapenade

Polenta squares topped with pesto or tapenade     Yield: one 9”x13” jellyroll pan

Courtesy of Rebecca Woodland

Preparation time: 10 minutes cooking time + additional topping time

The secret to perfect polenta is patience! The water must be at a full rolling boil. The dry polenta must be sprinkled into the boiling water, a little at a time so the water continues to boil uninterrupted, until all the polenta has been added. If you try to rush this or ignore the directions, you will end up with a lumpy, disgusting mess.

For POLENTA:   

1 cup dry polenta (La Favorita brand, any flavor)

3½ cups boiling water

½ tsp. sea salt

TOPPINGS: (your choice, do not combine)

La Favorita: Pesto di Cavolo Nero (Kale)* or Genovese (Basil) Pesto, Crema di Funghi Porcini

Della Nonna Tapenades: Mushroom & Truffle, Green Olive, Sundried Tomato*

or any other savory topping you like (* used in demo)

OPTIONAL ADDITION:

4 oz. goat cheese (enough for a dollop of goat cheese on each square)

To make a creamier, more flavorful goat cheese, add a drizzle of your favorite flavored olive oil and mix well before using. Try pairing your choice of oil to complement or match your topping.

 

METHOD

  1. Bring 3½ cups water to a rolling boil. While water continues to boil, gradually sprinkle polenta into the boiling water, stirring continuously with a wire whisk. Do NOT “dump” the polenta into the water or it will lump!
  2. Add salt. Keep stirring. Cook about 3 minutes, until mixture begins to thicken.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Lightly coat bottom and sides of a large baking sheet/jelly roll pan with your favorite olive oil.
  5. Pour cooked polenta onto the baking sheet. Spread it evenly across the entire surface, smoothing the top. Set aside to continue cooling. Polenta will continue to thicken as it cools.
  6. Prepare goat cheese. Put it all in a bowl. Drizzle your favorite olive oil over it. Mix well with a fork.
  7. When polenta has cooled to room temperature, cut it into squares, triangles, or diamonds of equal size. Top with a smear or smidgen (not an actual unit of measure) of your favorite topping.
  8. Just before serving, add a small dollop of the goat cheese to each square.

 

VARIATIONS:

You may want to “toast” the polenta in a 350 degree oven before adding the toppings. For a more festive touch, top each square with microgreens, a slice of grape tomato, or other tiny edibles.

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Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Bacon flavored olive oil paired with our Maple balsamic takes these brussel sprouts up a notch.

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