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Our Favorite Balsamic with Summer Tomatoes
Tomato season is in full swing! Many of you have asked which balsamic is best to drizzle over a caprese.
Well, here it is... our go-to is Maletti IGP Balsamic Vinegar. This certified balsamic is aged in wine barrels and comes out thick with rich flavors and a delicate finish without the vinegar burn. Flavors of tart cherry and clean acidity make this the closet thing we've found to Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Perfect for drizzling over tomatoes, peaches, salads and even vanilla ice cream.
Here's our guide to vinegars for every occasion, can't decide? Stop by and try for yourself!
Well, here it is... our go-to is Maletti IGP Balsamic Vinegar. This certified balsamic is aged in wine barrels and comes out thick with rich flavors and a delicate finish without the vinegar burn. Flavors of tart cherry and clean acidity make this the closet thing we've found to Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Perfect for drizzling over tomatoes, peaches, salads and even vanilla ice cream.
Here's our guide to vinegars for every occasion, can't decide? Stop by and try for yourself!
- Lambrusco Red Wine Vinegar: Full-bodied and complex, we like to use this vinegar in marinades. Simply combine with chopped garlic, salt and pepper and you are set for big flavor.
- Organic Citrus Balsamic Vinegar: This brightly-flavored vinegar is perfect drizzled over salmon, in a summer pasta salad or shaken into a vodka cocktail.
- Sofia Organic White Balsamic Vinegar: This white vinegar is rich, while still being bright and light. Its perfect balance makes it the secret ingredient to making the best salad dressings. It also makes a great sauce for a watermelon dish.
- Organic Aged Balsamic Vinegar - VR Aceti: With very low acidity and a rich, dense texture, the sweetness comes forward with complex flavors of fig and caramel. We like this balsamic with grilled steak or adding a dash of it to a Negroni, props to Stanley Tucci for the idea.
See all vinegars HERE.
How to Choose an Olive Oil
We have a few new bottles in the shop featuring oil from last fall's harvest! So how does one choose an olive oil? Choose based on your taste preferences and how you are going to use it. Here are a few descriptors on some of our favorite bottles from around the world.
- Colli Etruschi Tuschia DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an award-winning oil that always scores high from graders and guides. This Italian cooperative producer is probably our favorite on the market and always produces great oils. The DOP Tuscia is there reserve oil made with the best crops of the year, it has grassy artichoke notes and a hint of acidity. Drizzle it over any dish that could use some brightening, like a creamy pasta or soup.
- Decemi #51 Slow Food Presidio Olive Oil is a rare Umbrian olive oil that is a Slow Food item, numbered with its year of harvest. With nutty, elegant notes, it's a true stunner with a green peppercorn finish to its grassiness. A bottle for the finest dishes or simply served with fresh bread.
- Les Terroirs de Marrakech Olive Oil comes from Marrakech and is well-balanced, starting with herbal, fruity notes and finishing with a distinct black pepper tickle.
- Philippos Hellenic Goods Organic Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil is of course organic and has low acidity, it is smooth and approachable.
- The Spanish oil we have in the shop, L'Estornell Arbequina Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a greener hue with fresh vegetal notes and a mild spicy finish. Great for cooking or dressing a salad.
Check out all of our olive oils HERE.
Thoughtful, Delicious Gifts For Mom
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- Shop Staff
- Tags: Babette's Gift Gifts Mother's Day
Easy Seafood Ideas for Lent and Beyond
Conservas are our dinner hack.
What are conservas exactly? Conservas are tinned or canned fish and they can make your meal prep a breeze. The average can of tuna on a typical shelf is nothing special, BUT just like there are artisans curing salami, there are special preserved seafood creations too, made by masters of the craft. In Europe, conservas are a part of the culture, it's time we embrace it too.
In places like Spain, conservas are often served simply, with bread, fresh greens and wine, but here are some other ways to enjoy the artisan seafood we carry:
Ready-To-Serve Favorites
What are conservas exactly? Conservas are tinned or canned fish and they can make your meal prep a breeze. The average can of tuna on a typical shelf is nothing special, BUT just like there are artisans curing salami, there are special preserved seafood creations too, made by masters of the craft. In Europe, conservas are a part of the culture, it's time we embrace it too.
In places like Spain, conservas are often served simply, with bread, fresh greens and wine, but here are some other ways to enjoy the artisan seafood we carry:
Ready-To-Serve Favorites
- Cantabrian anchovy and tuna pate or Mouttes d'Arvor scallop rillettes served with crackers and olives.
- We just picked up a canned lobster from Scout Canning CO, it's nothing like the imitation stuff and gives us a taste of the coast. Serve simply with bread, crème fraiche and any herbs you have on hand.
Fish Dinners
- Branzino stirred into room-temp Fregola pasta, served as a salad tossed with your best EVOO, salted capers, lemon zest, and black pepper.
- Make a cozy, quick pasta dish with Espinaler Sardines and sautéed tomatoes and garlic. Try this recipe.
Sandwich Ideas
- Ritrovo tuna with calabrian chile mixed with Kewpie mayo and chopped cornichons served on a baguette.
- High quality Wildfish Cannery King Salmon served on pullman toast with herb chèvre and sliced cucumbers.
Let us know which recipe idea strikes your fancy and we will have your order packed up for you for pick-up or shipping. Or come shop our conservas selection in the store!
It's Fondue Season!
It's Fondue Season!
Whether you are hitting the slopes or staying in for a Valentine's Day celebration, fondue is your ticket to delicious success. Whatever your vibe is this coming weekend, the perfect way to cap off a day is around a cozy pot of fondue that you can easily make at home.
Use our tried and true traditional fondue cheese mix or switch things up and try our Alpine Special Edition if you're feeling more adventurous. This new option packs more sharp, funky flavor from a different mix of Alpine-style cheeses. Find our fondue recipe below. Stop in for all the ingredients and dipping items for a fondue night or place an order for delivery or pickup here.
St. Kilian’s Classic Fondue
2 garlic cloves, halved crosswise
1 cup white wine
1 Tbsp cornstarch or 2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp kirsch (optional)
1/2 pound Gruyere, shredded
1/2 pound Comte, shredded
1/4-1/2 pound Appenzeller, shredded
Directions:
-Rub the inside of your fondue pot or heavy pot with the cloves of garlic, add wine and bring to a simmer at med-low heat
-mix cornstarch in a bowl with shredded cheeses
-gradually add shredded cheese to the pot in small amounts, whisk cheese with a spoon and wait until cheese is completely melted and incorporated before adding more cheese
-when all cheese has been added, add kirsch to finish (if fondue is to thin you can add some additional cornstarch to the kirsch before adding)
-lower heat on fondue pot or place regular pot over a sterno to keep warm Our favorite for serving is a cubed up sourdough bread and tart apples, but you can also try roasted potatoes, or fresh veggies for dipping.
- Jon Marsh
- Tags: fondue
Super Snack Ideas for the Big Game
A grazing board of cheese and charcuterie is always a good choice for game day. Stop by the shop this weekend to pick one up or order online to have your order ready to go.
In the mood for something different? Here are 3 of our favorite easy snack ideas:
#1. Soft Pretzels and Queso
Colorado-made On Tap Kitchen's Soft Pretzels are quick, easy and delicious. They are great warmed in the oven or our favorite way to enjoy is with Leigh Olivers White Hot Queso dip, pictured above.
#2 Ultimate Popcorn with Truffle and Parmesan
Casina Rossa Truffle Salt & Cheese is a blend of seal salt, black truffle and dried Parmigiano Reggiano. Add it to fresh popcorn that’s lightly coated with melted butter or olive oil for the best popcorn you’ve ever tasted
#3 Arepas Snack Sandwiches
A new addition at St. Kilian’s, Arepas Point Venezuelan-style corn arepas are a great vessel for all kinds of snacks. Our personal favorite is Italian Sausage, provolone and peppers. New Italian style peppers in Jar from Monteleone are a great addition to Lonardo’s sausage or your favorite protein, stuff them all inside a fresh cooked Arepas. Grab the arepas in our shop or order online here.
A new addition at St. Kilian’s, Arepas Point Venezuelan-style corn arepas are a great vessel for all kinds of snacks. Our personal favorite is Italian Sausage, provolone and peppers. New Italian style peppers in Jar from Monteleone are a great addition to Lonardo’s sausage or your favorite protein, stuff them all inside a fresh cooked Arepas. Grab the arepas in our shop or order online here.
Want a few other easy idea?
We love Sweet Grass Dairy's Pimento Cheese, made with an award-winning tomme cheese. Or Cream City Market's classic curds.
- Shop Staff
- Tags: Arepas Popcorn Queso snacks Super Bowl
