Superlative Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are always a nice to give and welcome to receive compendium of items. But, there are gift baskets, and then there are Gift Baskets. Balducci’s is Some examples from Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market:

 Simply Sweet ($18): When the thought that counts needs to be both sweet and savory. Includes: Funky Chunky Popcorn or Pretzels and Balducci's Honey Roasted Peanuts. Even the fussiest connoisseur will find these delectable.

 Gluten Free Basket ($45)- Eating healthy never tasted so delicious! This yummy sampling offers a Pasta dinner, salty snacks and sweets to satisfy anyone who maintains a gluten free diet. Includes: Gluten free Tates cookies, Mrs Crumbles crackers, Divvies chocolate bar, Bionature pasta, Lucina pasta sauce and lentil crackers. http://www.balduccis.com/gifts/gluten_free_basket

  Little Italy Basket ($50): Everything needed for an Italian feast; evocative of the tastes and smells of the Tuscan countryside. Includes: Balducci's Bolognese Sauce , Balducci's Marinara Sauce , Garfalo Pastas , Balducci's Pesto Sauce, Balducci's Olive Oil and Grissini Breadsticks. http://www.balduccis.com/gifts/little_italy

 And for the ultimate of the ultimate--Mama Balduccis Cupboard ($150): A basket that harkens to the roots of our past. The taste of all the fabulous food that bears the Balducci's name. Includes: Balducci's Preserves , Balducci's Peanuts , Balducci's German Raspberries , Balducci's Olive Oil , Balducci's Pasta Sauce , Balducci's Colossal Pistachios , Balducci's Honey Bear , Balducci's Trail Mix, Balducci's Coffee , Balducci's Chocolate Bars , Balducci's Cocoa Tin and Balducci's Granola. http://www.balduccis.com/gifts/mama_balduccis_cupboard

 

 

 

Sun Dried Perfection

Looking for an easy way to add nutritious and luscious sun-dried tomatoes to your dishes? From California's Mooney Farms, family owned and operated since 1987, comes Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Halve and Julienne Cut in 100% Pure Olive Oil & Italian Herbs, Bella Sun  Luci Sun Dried Tomato Pesto with While Pine Nuts—this one is divine. Add it to your al dente pasta with  some olive oil and you have a very palate-pleasing dish. There are also sun dried tomatoes of varying cuts in handy resealable bags.

Mooney Farms also has a splendid Olive Oil you can be proud to serve and give as a thoughtful gift to anyone you know who loves healthful and delicious food. Their site also features elegant gift baskets.

www.mooneyfarms.com

Olive Oil With Everything

Well, not really everything but you might be surprised how a little bit of olive oil added to canned soups, the water you prepared for rice or couscous and a host of other dishes imparts a fresh taste and smoothness. And if you would like a very special olive oil to enjoy in a more singular fashion, you might try an inspiring artisan Olio Nuovo from McEvoy Ranch, based in Petaluma, CA.

These beautifully packaged olive oils are the result of dedication from orchard to bottle and are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). The olives are grown, harvested, milled, blended and bottled entirely on the ranch. The ranch uses an imported "Maserati of olive oil mills" (our state-of-the-art Rapanelli frantoio), now an integral part of the cold-process production unique to McEvoy Ranch.

Olive oil should be a staple in all kitchens and these artisan olive oils also make lovely and thoughtful gifts.

http://www.mcevoyranch.com/

Pasta with an Unexpected Zing

We usually don’t post recipes here, but for this we had to make an exception—which we will be doing from time to time as we lead up to the holidays. This recipe for Autumn Harvest Fettuccine takes advantage of Autumn’s freshest produce and the unexpected fillip of Tabasco. The result is colorful, surprising, and delicious.

Autumn Harvest Fettuccine

1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces,
about 4 cups
1 leek, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 pound green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons original Tabasco® brand pepper sauce, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
8 ounces fettuccine pasta
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley or basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450º F.

Toss butternut squash, leek, red bell pepper, green beans, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce and 1/2 teaspoon salt in large roasting pan. Roast until vegetables are browned and tender, 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook fettuccine as package directs.

Toss roasted vegetables with fettuccine, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and parsley in large bowl.

Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 servings.

Buon appetito!

The Complete Cracker

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to snack on a cracker that was so delicious and crunchy and, thanks to interesting blends of flavors, had a taste that was so unexpected and delicious that it didn’t need a dip or even cheese to top it off?

Your wish is granted. Back to Nature, the Wisconsin-based purveyor of cookies, granolas, trail mixes, and more has several varieties of crackers to intrigue the palate.

Sunflower Basil—crisp savory crackers with crunchy sunflower kernels and fragrant basil. No cholesterol no trans fat, no hydrogenated oils, no artificial flavors or colors. Thanks to a touch of olive oil, sea salt a dash of black pepper, there is plenty of flavor.

Sesame Tarragon— sprinkled with golden sesame seeds and Tarragon with snippets of Parsley, basil, olive oil, sea salt.

Poppy Thyme -- These crackers are sprinkled with Poppy Seeds and Chopped Thyme with a bit of Parsley, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Who needs cheese or dips? But feel free to serve these tasty savory crackers with whatever you choose. You can’t go wrong.