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February 09, 2017

Gumbo vs Jambalaya: Fat Tuesday Inspired Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Recipe

Having a love affair with New Orleans, tends to lead to rich tasting dishes in my kitchen. The process and the layering of flavor is amazing, and ALL worth the time!
Creole food, not Cajun, seems to be the most popular in my household.  We frequently make Chicken and Sausage Gumbo for Fat Tuesday. King Cakes travel back and forth between cousins, and who can resist a beignet?
But allow me to FOCUS!. In thinking of dinner dishes, what are the difference between Gumbo, Jambalaya, Etouffee and Red beans and rice?  Today we will specifically focus on the difference between Gumbo and Jambalaya.  (Etouffee, an entree, is thickened sauce of seafood plated over rice and the Red beans & rice is more of a side dish)
Gumbo, a soup er more a stew, is fabulously flavorful!! Thickened, with okra or file powder  (pronounced [FEE-lay])  made from the dried ground leaves of the sassafras tree), and seasoned in layers by the process of making a roux and herbs.  I'll be honest, I've cheated and not had either and we enjoyed it just as much!  The slow simmer of this dish fills the kitchen with savory spicy scents all day long.  Bonus, it can be ALL DONE IN ONE POT!!  
Now for Jambalaya.  A skillet filled with celery, peppers, and onions; then a meat such as chicken and sausage coupled with the addition of tomatoes to the pan followed by seafood and serve over rice.  Ta Da  Jambalaya!
But let us share this creole inspired creation!
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
 
3 Tbsp plus 3/4 c CHOICE OLIVE OIL
2 1/2 lb skinless chicken thighs, bone in
HIMALAYAN SALT AND BLACK PEPPER
1 Tbsp FRENCH BLEND
1 c all -purpose flour
1 medium bunch celery, thinly sliced
4 large onions, diced
4 green/red bell peppers, diced
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 to 1 tsp CAYENNE PEPPER
3/4 tsp dried OREGANO
3/4 tsp dried BASIL
3/4 tsp dried THYME
4 bay leaves
8 c homemade chicken broth
2 Tbsp JALAPENO BALSAMIC VINEGAR
1 1/2 lb andouille sausage, cut into 1/2 in chunks
1 Tbsp file powder
6 c cooked white rice
Chopped scallions for garnish
BEST BOY CHOICE HOT SAUCE
 
In a heavy-based soup pot, heat 3 Tbsp of the oil over medium high heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, French Blend, dust it with 1/4 c of the flour, shake off excess.
 
Sear chicken in hot oil until golden brown, turning once to brown both sides, 4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Heat oil again, add celery, onions and peppers and cook until soft, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often.  Remove vegetables and any liquid from the pan and set aside.  Add 3/4 c oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute over medium heat.  slowly add the remaining flour to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is color of chocolate 10 to 20 minutes.  Stir carefully, being sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pot to prevent scorching.  Pay attention not to burn the roux; if you do, start over.
When the roux has reached a good mahogany brown, return the cooked vegetables to the pot, along with the seasoning.  Stir to scrape the bottom of the pot and cook until well combined, 3 to 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper. 
Slowly add the broth while stirring until smoothly blended. add the chicken and sausage.  Bring a simmer and skim off excess fat.  Add the Balsamic Vinegar.  Simmer uncovered, skimming foam and fat as it rises.  Until chicken meat is so tender it falls easily from the bones, about 2 hours.  Remove the bones from the pot and discard.
Return the soup to a boil and stir in file powder, stirring vigorously to avoid clumping, until dissolved.  Taste for seasoning, adding as necessary.  Serve in bowls with a scoop of white rice and top with scallions and hot sauce.
The Olive Twist Ingredients:  Choice Olive Oil, Himalayan salt, pepper, French Blend, Cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, Jalapeno Balsamic Vinegar and Best Boy Hot Sauce
February 01, 2017

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Sale!!

We Olive YOU!!!!  Customers receive 14% olive oil and balsamic vinegar on line orders, totaling over $100, NOW - February 14, 2017!  Enter this code oliveyou14 during checkout!  

Excludes Cooking Classes, and seasonings.  We reserve the right to correct any transaction.  Valentine Salt is for on-line purchases only.

 

January 02, 2017

2017 Cooking Classes Announced!!

We are excited to finally share the upcoming classes for the 2017 Cooking Class Season!!

The line-up includes classes, workshops, and free events!  Details will be found on Facebook and our website.  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS!  You may sign up for a class or workshop on line, or save a dollar by stopping into the Fort Wayne store or calling 260.436.3866.

January and February classes are ready for you to sign up!  The following are classes ($37.99), workshops ($26.99) and FREE events-- MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND REGISTER SOON! 

      AU = Auburn, FW = Fort Wayne

January 28  -- Chinese New Year -- FW  CLASS IS FULL

February 3  -  Warm Up with Havana Nights - AU  REGISTRATION IS READY

February 6 -  Meatless Monday - FW   REGISTRATION IS READY

February 9 - Rotary Dessert Duel - AU (Free samples with entry to event)

February 11 -  Spice Lab Workshop - AU  REGISTRATION IS READY 

February 25 - Spice Lab Workshop - FW  REGISTRATION IS READY

March 3 - Home and Garden Show FREE tasting

March 15 - Fowl Play:  Chicken, Duck and Cornish Hen - FW  REGISTRATION IS READY

March 25 - Sauces, Dips & More Workshop -- FW  REGISTRATION IS READY

April 7 - Spring Training Power Food - AU  REGISTRATION IS READY

April 13 - Girl's Night Out FREE Gourmet Food Samples - AU

May 5 - Strawberry Fields - AU  REGISTRATION IS READY

May 15 - Mimosa Monday & Massage - AU  REGISTRATION IS READY

May 21 - Breakfast Club Workshop @ Discovering Historic Auburn

June 2 - Fun Street Food - AU

June 8 - Girl's Night Out FREE Gourmet Food Samples - AU

June 17 - BBQ Spice Rub Workshop - AU

June 21 - Brazilian Nights - FW

July 15 - BBQ Spice Rub Workshop - FW 

August 4 - A Bite From Down Under - AU

August 10 - Girl's Night Out FREE Gourmet Food Samples - AU

August 16 - The French Connection - FW

September 1 - A FREE tasting @ ACD festival

September 20 - Italian Harvest - AU

September 22 - Easy Skillet Dinners - FW

October 6 - Germanfest - AU

October 11 - Germanfest - FW

October 12 - Girl's Night Out FREE Gourmet Food Samples - AU

December 14 - Girl's Night Out FREE Gourmet Food Samples - AU

December 28 - Party Pleasers - Ring in the New Year - FW

 

We have a few more surprises!  So check back frequently to see what has been added!!!

November 03, 2016

2016 Holiday Gift Guide

Inspiring!  A variety of product options to create a one of kind gourmet food gift for anyone on your list!

Our helpful staff can assist you with size and flavor selections, and complimentary items to the oils and vinegar.

 CLICK ON THE BOW TO VIEW the 2016 GIFT GUIDE

 

January 06, 2016

Education: A part of The Olive Twist, Inc.

For over 5 years, The Olive Twist, Inc. has been providing the Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, with quality, fresh Extra-virgin Olive Oil.  As part of this unique shopping experience, the staff tries to briefly enlighten consumers to why purchasing olive oil through The Olive Twist is a smart consumer choice.

Occasionally, Lori Berndt, co-owner of the Olive Twist, hosts Olive Oil 101 and Olive Oil Flight classes, to give more in depth look into the nuances of olive oil.  She also briefly incorporates this education into the cooking classes that the stores host each month.  (for a full listing of the classes please visit http://theolivetwist.com/collections/cooking-classes. or follow us on Facebook)

Both the Fort Wayne and Auburn locations also retails Extra-Virginity:The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil, a book written by Tom Mueller.  The book delves into the the rich heritage of olive oil and the the trials and tribulations that the industry has encountered.  He brings to light the corruption and deception that is occurring globally in the olive oil world.  These topics most recently were brought to light in an expose piece on 60 Minutes. (January 3)  We've provided a link to the piece:  http://www.cbsnews.com/news/60-minutes-agromafia-food-fraud/

In the year ahead, we hope you'll join us in learning the importance of knowing from where your olive oil comes.

January 05, 2016

More than just Holiday Gifts

Enjoy life . . . It's delicious at the Olive Twist, Inc.  And that isn't just during the holiday season!  Collaborating on how simply our products can be integrated into your daily culinary routine, is illustrated in this Insight segment.  

Lori and Dirk explore PANCAKES, a breakfast staple in many households.  From the batter, to the scraper, The Olive Twist has what you need to whip up fantastic pancakes.

http://www.21alive.com/insight/The-Olive-Twist---Great-Holiday-Gifts---Yummy-Pancakes-362821931.html?vid=a

November 30, 2015

Cyber Monday Deal

Cyber Monday Deal at the Olive Twist!!! 

 

Spend $45 or more on our website today, and receive FREE shipping!!.  Continental US only.  One shipping address only.  Offer expires 11/30/2015

November 05, 2015

Educating Customers since 2010

November 03, 2015

The Olive Twist presents Balsamic Vinegar 101

October 31, 2015

Celebrating 5 years of Business!

Thank you, Thank you!!


We have the best customers, and we would like to show our appreciation to you during our two day celebration, November 6 & 7!!  We hope you'll accept our invitation in celebrating our 5 year anniversary! Stop in for a moment, or stay for a bit!  Tempting treats -- with recipes, of course -- will be available over the course of our two day celebration!    We are also pledging 5% of our sales during the celebration to Cancer Services. We've included a video clip to why we chose Cancer Services.  Get those lists ready! 

We look forward to seeing you Friday, November 6 and Saturday November 7.  We have enjoyed building relationships with each and everyone of you!!  

Join us!

The Staff of The Olive Twist

 

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