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Taste Unbidden: Oil and Vinegar Low Carb Recipes
by James Zeller
“Cooking is at once
child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with
care is an act of love.” -- Craig Claiborne
Balsamic vinegar is one of
the more common gourmet vinegars used in making
low carb, oil based dressings – although
there is nothing common about balsamic vinegar.
The trend toward improved heart health has also
led to low carb choices that assist in attaining
elusive weight loss for many. Today, oil and vinegar
is becoming a family staple.
Balsamic vinaigrette dressings
will be best received by family and friends when
tossed through lettuce leaves or drizzled over
sliced tomatoes and cucumbers just prior to serving.
Tossing the salad too early renders leafy vegetables
droopy and unattractive.
Oil
and Vinegar - Shaken Not Stirred
Oil by itself can be used
as a salad dressing; however it is an acid like
balsamic vinegar that makes the dressing more
palatable to family and guests. A mixture of olive
oil and balsamic vinegar provides a uniquely satisfying
meal time vinaigrette.
Tasty
Homegrown Experiments
Flavored oils that are unique
to your own family recipes can be made at home.
Herb oil, for example and be made by gently heating
a desired amount of olive oil, then adding chopped
basil or chives. Your pan should be removed from
the heat and covered until the mixture is cool.
You can mix the cooled product together using
a blender. Once smooth you should strain mixture
through a fine mesh sieve. These oils should be
blended up to four days prior to planned get-togethers
and stored in a corked bottle to let the flavors
merge.
Spicy chili oil can be made
by gently heating olive oil, adding several finely
chopped fresh chilies to the sauce pan, along
with a bay leaf and an unpeeled garlic clove.
You should let mixture cool thoroughly then strain
through a fine mesh sieve and store in a corked
bottle.
Factoid: 'Balsamic' means
'like balsam'. Balsam is an aromatic resin and
the term balsamic vinegar is a common reference
to the fact that the end result is thick (resin
like) and aromatic.
Low
Carb Dressings
One of the many health benefits
of balsamic vinegar (as well as other quality
vinegars) and olive oil is the low carb nature
of the mixture. Variations on these recipes may
help you discover a unique flavor that is perfect
for a family recipe. You can use the following
recipes for guilt free meals and snacks.
Easy
Italian Dressing
INGREDIENTS:
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbs. Balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons of granular sugar
Italian seasoning of choice
PREPERATION:
Shake or stir ingredients
together. Keep tasting until you find the right
combo of vinegar and oil. If you like it less
sweet, then add less sugar.
Garlic
Vinaigrette
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups olive oil
1/4 cup of your favorite vinegar
3 cloves of crushed garlic
2 tablespoons of granular sugar
1/2 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
PREPERATION:
Combine all ingredients in
a jar with secure cap, shake well until well blended.
Leave to cool in fridge for an hour or so before
serving.
Mediterranean
Salad Mix
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 envelope of Good Seasons®
Italian
1/2 envelope Good Seasons® Garlic and Herb
Apple Cider Vinegar
Olive Oil
PREPERATION:
Using the Good Seasons®
carafe fill to the vinegar line with apple cider
vinegar and olive oil. DO NOT USE ANY WATER, even
though there is a fill line for water, use vinegar
only. Chop some romaine lettuce and top with crumbled
feta cheese, red onion slices and black olives.
Serve with chilled dressing.
“The olive tree is surely
the richest gift of Heaven, I can scarcely expect
bread.” -- Thomas Jefferson
In
Conclusion
A low carb diet may not be
for everyone, but a reduction in dietary carbohydrates
is an idea that’s hard to argue against.
When a natural combination
of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar
provide so much taste with so many health benefits
it becomes a message worth sharing - both verbally
and in dishes that we make for our family and
friends.
Whether it’s balsamic
vinaigrette for a spinach salad or olive oil as
the base for Easy Italian Dressing, there is a
growing body of evidence that suggests this good
tasting food is good for you.
A
Taste Unbidden (An ode to Balsamic Vinegar)
Between the tip of tongue
and peace of mind
A raging thirst discovers
A love affair that’s just begun
As I savor each new morsel
Just where did taste begin?
Where has it hidden all these years?
A dichotomy of sweet and sour
O’ fair Queen of Modena.
James Zeller
writes for gourmet gift related websites and blogs
such as Cruets.com . Here is a selection of gourmet
oil and vinegar that he found, and a creative
collection of kitchen
gifts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Zeller |
