Fustini's Oils and Vinegars

Warm Up With These Savory Winter Pairings

In the summer, we tend to think of flavors of fresh, refreshing fruits picked ripe from right here in Michigan. The fall reminds us of crisp cool air, crunchy apples and sweet cinnamon. Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers and fresh ingredients.

What does winter mean to you?

Here in Michigan it means bundling up before going outside and shoveling our driveways, and winter also brings its own tastes, flavors and dishes that are a staple of the season.

Winter is a great time for soups, stir-frys and savory flavors. And no matter what you’re cooking up in the kitchen, you can incorporate extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars in all your wintertime dishes.

While all of our oils and vinegars can be used in your dishes throughout the year, there’s something about certain savory flavors that just feel right in the winter season.

Here we share just a few of our favorite savory wintertime flavors that you can start using today in all your wintertime recipes.

Pairing: Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar and Blood Orange Olive Oil

Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar

With soft tones of cinnamon combined with the wintertime pear, this vinegar elevates the flavor of your dishes. The sweet D’anjou pear taste compliments several savory and rich foods like desserts, seafood and pork. When crafting your perfect winter salad, using cinnamon pear combined with Blood Orange Olive Oil makes for a great vinaigrette salad dressing that whispers winter.

Elevate the pear flavor to a whole new level by topping roasted pears or apples with Cinnamon Pear balsamic. Or, bring a new taste to your morning Greek yogurt by drizzling in this sweet pear and cinnamon flavor.

In addition to Blood Orange Olive Oil, you can pair this Cinnamon Pear with a variety of oils to bring out many other flavor profiles. Add a sweeter or more savory oil such as Butter, Meyer Lemon, Persian Life, Sage & Wild Mushroom or Walnut for a new pairing to match your dish.

Check out all these other delicious recipes you can use your Cinnamon Pear with.

Blood Orange Olive Oil


 
When it comes to choosing an oil that’s perfect for the wintertime season, Blood Orange often comes to the top of our list. The sweet fruity tones of orange go well with many of your favorite winter dishes in both baking and cooking. Warm up the winter blues with the fresh and zesty flavors of Italian blood oranges.

You can use this oil in almost all your dishes, including drizzle over roasted vegetables, scramble your eggs, replace butter in your cakes and brownies, pair with a vinegar for a vinaigrette and marinate your poultry or seafood. This fruity oil will brighten up your dish instantly.

In addition to Cinnamon Pear, this extra virgin olive oil also goes well with other sweet vinegars such as Chocolate, Cranberry, Ginger & Honey, Grapefruit and Vanilla. From soups to roasts to meats to much more, check out all these other savory and sweet recipes using Blood Orange olive oil.

With the sweet and savory flavors of Cinnamon Pear and Blood Orange, you can add more life and zest in your wintertime dishes.

Pairing: Black Truffle Balsamic Vinegar and Garlic Olive Oil

Black Truffle Balsamic Vinegar

When you’re looking for a savory flavor to add an extra layer to your dishes, the Black Truffle is a great option for winter. The earthy black truffle mushroom flavor is a great addition to winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts. Drizzle over a caprese salad. Other ingredients this vinegar complements includes a variety of cheese, vegetables and meats such as beef or chicken.

The savory flavor pairs with the robust Garlic to make a great vinaigrette or a marinade for your beef or chicken. Other oils you can pair with this vinegar include Meyer Lemon, Gremolata, Cayenne and Rosemary for a truly savory flavor profile. Want more ideas perfect for the winter season, check out these recipes.

Garlic Olive Oil

Garlic is another flavor that is often associated with the winter season and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. This robust garlic infused olive oil goes well with ingredients like meats, vegetables and grains like breads and pastas. Drizzle it over root vegetables as you roast or sauté them. With such flavor in the oil, you may not even have to add extra spice.

Garlic is a versatile oil that can be paired up with other balsamic vinegars, in addition to black truffle, to elevate the flavor of your dish. Vinegars like Asian Blackberry, Cherry, Espresso Bean, Oregano or Sicilian Lemon can partner with Garlic to add a sweet or savory take on your dish’s flavor. Want more recipes using Garlic olive oil? Check out our list here.

How Will You Warm Up in Winter?

While here in Michigan we may often miss the bright sunny and warm days of summer, wintertime brings a great opportunity to incorporate savory and comforting flavors. With easy pairings like Cinnamon Pear and Blood Orange or Black Truffle and Garlic, you can ‘winterize’ your recipes quick and easy no matter what you’re cooking up.

Do you have a favorite wintertime EVOO or balsamic? Let us know!

 

 

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