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Cabob, Kabab, Kabob, What's your preference?

Is there really a difference?  Technically, yes there is, but we won't judge if you want to use them interchangeably! We come from an area, where it is acceptable to pronounce caramel, as carmel, and we have cricks (aka creeks). Ok, I'm off track.  Let me get back to my self education and discovery.  It's fun to learn and clarify something every day-- at least to clarify to the best of a Google search!  

Cabob - The English version of our Western Kabob, which is actually the phonetic pronunciation of kabab. Clear as mud? Let me share what I learned today.

The British call small pieces of meat or seafood seasoned, typically with tomatoes, green peppers, and onions on a skewer, cabobs.  Western civilization, the Grand USA, call them Kabobs, but the original dish is Turkish and though spelled kabab, it is pronounced (kuh-bob).  

This Mediterranean dish is comprised of grilled meat on a stick.  It's closely related cousin Shawarma was recently made popular again because of the movie The Avengers--though it's been around for centuries. The difference between kababs and shawarma?  The stick (aka shis --- as in shis kabab).  Each meat is slow roasted, until succulent and delicious.  The shish kabob (a western version) is served on the stick (great for appetizers!) and usually contain vegetables, kabab is just meat on a stick and the shwarma is plated meat taken off the spit, and served with pita bread.  

All this lead me to gyro (pronounced ˈyērō,ˈZHirō/).  It's very similar to kababs and shwarma, but is a Sandwich. It was 'created' in the late 70's*.  Now my Texan family and friends, have a different name for slow roasting, succulent and delicious meat, but we'll save that discussion for another day.  For now, Enjoy Life . . . It's Delicious at The Olive Twist.

Chicken and Mushroom Kebob with a Balsamic Glaze

2 chicken breast cut into 1” cubes

5 large mushrooms cut into quarters

3 Tbsp. Olive Twist garlic olive oil (divided)

3 Tbsp. Olive Twist butter olive oil (divided)

2 tsp. Fresco Garlic Blend (available at our store)

1 tsp. dried basil

Salt & pepper to taste

Balsamic Glaze

½ cup Olive Twist Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

¼ cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp. Fresco Garlic Blend (available at The Olive Twist)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Place cubed chicken into a glass dish, the mushrooms in a separate dish and set aside. Take olive oil and seasoning and blend in a small bowl. Pour half over mushrooms and half over chicken and let marinate for ½ hour. Place chicken on a Kebab skew and repeat. Keep separate from the mushrooms.

Do the same for the mushrooms and set aside.

In a small glass bowl together all ingredients for the glaze.

Grill the chicken Kebab for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat, basting with the balsamic glaze as you turn the kabobs. Remove from heat once centers of the chicken are cooked through.

About 10 minutes after the chicken goes on the grill, place the mushroom Kebab on the grill and brush with the balsamic glaze until the mushroom is cooked to desired tenderness.

Serve with potato salad, a green garden salad or rice.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/

NEW Product Line! The Olive Twist Private Label

Quick Bread Offerings

• Cinnamon Swirl
• Cranberry Orange
• Cheesy Garlic

• Rosemary & Parmesan Reggiano 
• Tuscan Herb
• Parmesan Cheese

• Killer Mud Brownie
• Salted Caramel Brownie
• Cappuccino Brownie

• Tuscan Vegetable Barley
• Italian Wedding
• Tortilla Soup
• Single Serve Cheesy Broccoli
• Single Serve Hearty Vegetable 

• Dilly Cucumber
• Spinach 
• Jalapeno Bacon Cheddar

And our New Product Feature . . . . 

Designed for the devilish side, these three great seasoning flavors are a perfect addition to any dinner or party menu.  

Where does the culinary term ' devil' derived?   The first print showing of the term devil in the culinary world was in 1786 with dishes that contained hot ingredients, excessive seasoning or ones fried or boiled.  Other popular names for these little devils, mimosa eggs, stuffed eggs, dressed eggs, or salad eggs.  They can be served warm or cold, they can even be deep-fried!  

• Parmesan Cheese & Basil
• Country Herb
• Spicy Bacon

The Benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa is a seed, but it is usually considered to be a whole grain.  To prepare quinoa you would do so, similarly to how you prepare rice or barely.  It prepares quickly, just 10-15 minutes, so it’s a quick and easy dinner.  Topping with choice olive oil, sea salt and lemon juice to enjoy, or you can dress it up like this Peanut Thai Quinoa recipe. 

BONUS:  this is the highest protein content of all the whole grains, and boasts ALL 9 essential amino acids.  It can stand on it own for dinner, or you can prepare it as a side.  Easily kept for 3 days, so make enough for left overs!

Peanut Thai Quinoa

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups dry quinoa, rinsed

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

2 T  Toasted Sesame Oil

2 T  soy sauce (or tamari as gluten-free option)

Juice of one lime

3 cups roughly chopped baby spinach

1 cup frozen peas

1 medium red pepper, diced

1/3 cup minced red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium pot. Add quinoa, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 to 11 minutes, until quinoa is cooked through and tender, but not mushy, and water has evaporated. (If cooked through and a little water remains, drain it.)  Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, sesame oil and soy sauce. Let sit for five minutes. Stir in lime juice, spinach, peas, red pepper, onion, cilantro and peanuts.

Taste and adjust salt as needed.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Allen County Solid Waste Management District Awards The Olive Twist

3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Commercial Category:

The Olive Twist

The Olive Twist is an olive oil and vinegar store with two locations that recycles bottles with a discount to customers for bottle return.  This helps customers save money, reduces shipping costs for new bottles, and keeps glass out of the landfill.

Some accomplishments from the past year are:

• Customer education and outreach on bottle recycling through signs, word of mouth, social media, newsletters, and events.
• Reaching out to other olive oil stores to implement recycling.
• Reuse other materials as possible such as bags and boxes.
• Saving money for themselves and customers through re-use and recycling.
• Recycled 5800 bottles in 2013, on track to recycle over 7000 this year.  Saving $14,750 per year in new bottles and shipping.

New E-Commerce Site Launched By The Olive Twist (Recipe Site Launching Soon)

The Olive Twist is excited to announce the launch of their new E-Commerce website just in time for the 2014 Christmas shopping season!  "This site makes it very easy to purchase the numerous products offered by The Olive Twist. Whether you are looking for a great gift idea or just need to resupply your pantry with Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Olives, or any of the various products we offer - our online store is open 24/7, 365 days a year," said owner Lori Berndt.

Not only will this site be a great place to find wonderful things for your kitchen, it is also a great place to find resources and information for use in your culinary endeavors. On our Happenings Page you will learn when the next cooking class, food festival, or nutritional seminar takes place.  On our News Page you will find updated information on pairing ideas for Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars, butter to olive oil conversion chart, the latest gift giving guide, and much more!

The Olive Twist will soon be announcing the launch of its new recipe site too.  In the meantime, please check and Like The Olive Twist's Facebook Page to get the latest information on recipes and cooking information.

NBC33's INsight Visits The Olive Twist - Delicious Holiday Ideas

Watch Lori from The Olive Twist teach Dirk Rowley, host of INsight, how to make bruschetta.  Dirk knows fresh ingredients, including olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs from The Olive Twist makes a real difference in taste that guests will appreciate!

A Taste of Fall

Butter to Olive Oil Conversion Chart

Use the chart below if you want to enjoy the health and taste benefits of Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils:

Butter/Margarine .........Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  1 tsp..............................3/4 tsp.
  1 tbsp........................... 2 1/4 tsp.
  1/4 cup .........................3 Tbsp.
  1/3 cup .........................1/4 cup
  1/2 cup..........................1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp.
  2/3 cup..........................1/2 cup
  3/4 cup .........................1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp.
  1 cup.............................3/4 cup

Pairing Ideas for Olive Oils

Basil EVOO + Lemongrass Mint Balsamic Vinegar

Blood Orange EVOO + Espresso Balsamic
Blood Orange EVOO + Dark Chocolate Balsamic 
Blood Orange EVOO + Vanilla Balsamic
Blood Orange EVOO + Cranberry Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Blood Orange EVOO + Tangerine Balsamic Vinegar

Butter EVOO + Coconut Balsamic
Butter EVOO + Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Butter EVOO + Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar

Chipotle EVOO + Dark Chocolate Balsamic
Chipotle EVOO + Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar
Chipotle EVOO + Jalapeno Balsamic Vinegar

Garlic EVOO + Fig Balsamic Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Oregano Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Cranberry Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO + Neapolitan Balsamic Vinegar

Herbs de Provence EVOO + Grapefruit Balsamic
Herbs de Provence EVOO + Lavender Balsamic Vinegar
Herbs de Provence EVOO + Vanilla Balsamic Vinegar

Hojiblanca EVOO + Red Apple Balsamic

Lemon EVOO + Blueberry Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Oregano Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar
Lemon EVOO + Coconut Balsamic Vinegar

Persian Lime EVOO + Lavender Balsamic Vinegar
Persian Lime EVOO + Honey Ginger Balsamic Vinegar
Persian Lime EVOO + Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar
Persian Lime EVOO + Coconut Balsamic Vinegar

Roasted Sesame Seed Oil + Coconut Balsamic
Roasted Sesame Seed Oil + Honey Ginger Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted Sesame Seed Oil + Blackberry Ginger Balsamic Vinegar

Roasted Walnut + Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted Walnut + Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted Walnut Oil + Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar

Tuscan Herb EVOO + Peach Balsamic Vinegar

Pairing Ideas for Balsamic Vinegars

PAIRINGS BY BALSAMIC - fruit & salad dressings and marinades

Blueberry Balsamic + Lemon EVOO

Cinnamon Pear Balsamic + Roasted Walnut

Coconut Balsamic + Butter = Coco Butter
Coconut Balsamic + Lemon EVOO
Coconut Balsamic + Roasted Sesame Seed Oil

Dark Chocolate Balsamic + Blood Orange EVOO
Dark Chocolate Balsamic + Chipotle EVOO
Dark Chocolate Balsamic + Coconut Balsamic

Espresso Balsamic + Blood Orange EVOO

Fig Balsamic + Garlic EVOO

Grapefruit Balsamic + Herbs de Provence EVOO

Honey Ginger Balsamic + Persian Lime EVOO

Lavender Balsamic + Herbs de Provence EVOO
Lavender Balsamic + Lime EVOO

Oregano + Garlic EVOO
Oregano + Lemon EVOO

Peach + Tuscan Herb EVOO

Pomegranate Balsamic + Garlic EVOO
Pomegranate Balsamic + Persian Lime EVOO

Pumpkin + Roasted Walnut

Raspberry Balsamic + Lemon EVOO

Red Apple Balsamic + Hojiblanca EVOO
Red Apple Balsamic + Roasted Walnut Oil

Strawberry Balsamic & Basil EVOO
Strawberry Balsamic + Lemon EVOO

Traditional Balsamic + ANY EVOO

Vanilla Balsamic + Blood Orange EVOO