February 2014
Issue No. 8



There are many ways to show someone you love and care about them. Hugs are awesome; a handwritten love letter is pretty cool too. Of no surprise to any of you, our favorite way to show love is through food. There is something about a lovingly created dish which directly reflect your feelings. It has been said great chefs offer their heart on a plate, we think this is true of anyone who cooks for their family, friends and loved ones.

 

This newsletter offers a wonderful dessert which is easy to prepare. It is no surprise we made it to serve 2 - it is gorgeous in appearance and very romantic. Your special person will feel the love.

 

We are also happy to provide an update to our very popular Pasta Combo Chart. This chart came about as a simple suggestion from a fan, and has been downloaded thousands of times. We think you will like the new combos. Lastly, we have a timely sale going featuring the balsamic vinegar from our Valentine recipe.

 

We present this newsletter as food we have prepared for you, because we want you to feel the love.  Enjoy! 

A Dessert for your Valentine!
 
Honey Ricotta Mousse with
Balsamic Marinated Cherries
 
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) fresh ricotta
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 1 1/2 cups whole frozen sweet cherries 
  • 1T Pastamor� Dark Sweet Cherry Balsamic Vinegar 
  • freshly ground black peppercorns
  • fresh mint leaves (optional as garnish)

Thaw cherries and cut in half.  Place the ricotta, honey, and vanilla bean in the small bowl of a food processor and process/pulse until smooth. Cover and refrigerate minimum 1 hour to meld flavors.

 

Place the cherries in a small bowl with the balsamic vinegar and add a small amount of ground pepper. Stir to combine. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

 

To serve, divide the cherry mixture between two glasses (we recommend martini glasses) or bowls and top with a scoop of ricotta mousse. Garnish with mint and a light dusting of black pepper, if desired. Serves 2.

 

We have an expanded version of this recipe on our Recipe Blog; click here.  It includes some additional ideas for the marinated fruit and balsamic vinegar choices. 

A 2014 Update to our Popular
Pasta Combo Chart
is now available!

It's been two years since we published our first Pasta Combo Chart.  The inspiration was to give fans fun ideas on great pairings for our flavored pasta.  We match each pasta with 2 to 4 of our oils, plus simple ideas for veggies or proteins to toss in.

The chart has been extremely popular and has been downloaded from our Recipe Blog thousands of times.

We are happy to announce that we have revamped the chart - it is now easier to read and we have added more options, including some directly from you!  We have also added our Gluten Free pasta to the list.

The chart is divided into two pages for easy downloading.  You can find Page 1 here, and Page 2 here!  We always love to hear from you, so please give us more of your ideas!  
A Sweet Sale!

 

Until the end of February our acclaimed Dark Sweet Cherry and Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegars are on sale (website only).  Both tall and small bottles have been reduced in price.  This is your chance to pick up a bottle or two as a romantic gift or just for yourself! 

We hope you 'love' what we had to offer in this edition! We'll see you in a few months when we are in full swing with shows!

 

Take Care and Happy Cooking! 

 

In This Issue
A Valentine Dessert
New Pasta Chart!
A Sweet Sale!
Where To Find Us!

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 Upcoming Shows
(unless specifically noted, all events are in California)


February 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show  

- Portland, OR 

 

February 8, 9 

Wine & Chocolate Lover's Weekend

- Milla Vineyards, Fresno

 

February 14, 15, 16

Washington State Horse Expo 

- Ridgefield, WA

 

February 15, 16, 17

Alameda County Home & Garden 

- Pleasanton

 

February 20, 21, 22, 23

Portland Home & Garden 

- Portland OR

 


February 22, 23, 24
Bakersfield Home & Garden

February 22, 23
Treasure Island Flea
- San Francisco

February 23
Capay Almond Festival
- Esparto

February 28, March 1, 2
Yard, Garden & Patio Show
- Portland, OR

February 28, March 1, 2
Sacramento Home & Garden

 

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March 7, 8 

Fresno Home & Garden

March  14, 15, 16
Sonoma County Home & Garden
- Santa Rosa

March 15
A Taste of Yountville

March 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
San Francisco Flower & Garden
- San Mateo

March 20, 21, 22, 23
Northwest Horse Fair & Expo
- Albany, OR

March 29, 30
Treasure Island Flea
- San Francisco 

 

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April 4, 5

Big Hat Days 

- Clovis

 

April 4, 5, 6

Yuba City Home & Garden 

 

April 11, 12, 13

The Peninsula Home Show 

- San Mateo 

 

April 11, 12, 13

The Craft Show 

- Las Vegas, NV

 

April 26, 27

California Poppy Festival 

- Lancaster

 

April 26, 27
Treasure Island Flea
- San Francisco

April 27
Kelseyville Olive Festival

 

 

 

 

This list is current as of our publication date.  You can find the most current information on our website here




Don't forget about our ever expanding  blog of easy recipes!  Click here to see what we have added since our last newsletter!