Evilo Blog — Coconut White Balsamic Vinegar

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Vacay In May!

Vacay In May! 0

A light Coconut and Lime cake sure to bring the vacation out of anyone! 

Ingredients: 

1 cup milk 
5 1/2 tbsp. Coconut Balsamic Vinegar 
1 tsp. vanilla extract 
1/3 cup Persian Lime Olive Oil 
3/4 cup sugar 
1 cup flour 
2 tbsp. ground almonds 
3/4 tsp. baking soda 
1/2 tsp. baking powder 
1/4 Fleur De Sel 
12 oz. white chocolate chips 
1/2 pint heavy whipping cream 
1 tbsp. unsalted butter 

Directions: 

1. Preheat your oven 350 degrees.
2. Mix the milk and 1 1/2 tbsp. of the Coconut balsamic vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes, then whisk in the Persian Lime olive oil, vanilla, and sugar. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground almonds, baking soda and powder, and the Flour De Sel sea salt. 
3. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour in the wet mixture. Stir well to combine. (May be slightly lumpy)
4. Lightly grease a cake pan and pour in batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 
5. Boil water in a double boiler and combine the chocolate chips and the heavy whipping cream in the top bowl. Melt until smooth. 
6. Remove the bowl from the water and add the remaining Coconut Balsamic vinegar and the butter. Stir until creamy and allow to cool. 
7. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled cake, sprinkle with shredded coconut, and ENJOY!

This recipe can also be made on the Big Green Egg!

Friday Favorites 0

At the top of our list this week, we highlight 2 new products that we are so excited about.

1.  Bravado Spice Company Hot Sauces:  Your wish is our command!  Many of you asked for hot sauces, and we've found the perfect sauces to complement our oils and vinegars.  We're happy to offer Bravado Spice Company's complete line of hot sauces.  Crafted in Houston, TX, these sauces have more than just heat.  They are bursting with fresh, bold flavors that you are going to love.  Choose from the following options:  

      -- Crimson:  This red sauce features red jalapeño and arbol peppers.

      -- Pineapple and Habanero:  A sweet and spicy combination of habanero peppers and pineapple and a dash of yellow bell peppers and garlic.

      -- Jalapeno and Green Apple:  Green apple elevates jalapeño and poblano peppers in this flavorful green sauce.

      -- Ghost Pepper and Blueberry:  For the truly adventurous, this sauce is spicy, unusual, and completely delicious.  It combines blueberries, raspberries, ghost peppers, and black pepper.  

2.  What's Cookin' Cobblers:  These decadent cobblers are made right here in Hot Springs, and they are flying off the shelves.  We love them so much, and evidently you do too.  We sold out last weekend, but not to worry, we are restocked for this weekend and Black Friday.  Choose from these 3 heavenly flavors:

      -- Chocolate Cobbler:  This is so decadent and tastes great with vanilla ice cream.  Drizzle one of our vinegars over the top, such as:  Mocha Almond Fudge, Chocolate, Espresso, Maple, Pecan Praline, Vanilla, or Bordeaux Cherry Dark Balsamic Vinegar.  Also, a little sprinkle of Vintage Merlot Finishing Salt tastes great, too.

      -- Easy Peach Cobbler:  Tastes better than mom's, but it's twice as easy to prepare.  Top it off with some ice cream and then a drizzle of one of our vinegars, such as:  Peach or Coconut White Balsamic or Pecan Praline, Vanilla, or Maple Dark Balsamic Vinegars.

      -- Strawberry White Chocolate Cobbler:  This winning combination will taste great with a drizzle of our Chocolate or Vanilla Dark Balsamic Vinegar or Strawberry White Balsamic Vinegar.

3.  Holiday Lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens:  It's that time!!  Holiday Lights kicks off on Saturday at Garvan Woodland Gardens.  This event continues until December 31.  

Make it a great weekend!

 

 

 

Flavors of the Week, 9/26/16 0

Even though the temperature dropped today, things are heating up at EvilO. We have some hot new pairings this week, and we know you are going to love them.

Lime in the Coconut: Get tropical with Persian Lime EVOO and Coconut White Balsamic Vinegar. I am a summer girl, and I love the warm weather. So this helps me keep summer alive for a few more weeks. Tastes great on salads, white fish, and shrimp.

Tropical Salad
(makes 4 servings)

8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups mandarin orange slices, packed in water
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
2 avocado, cubed
1 large red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 cups black beans, drained
1/2 cup Persian lime EVOO
1/4 cup coconut white balsamic vinegar

Add lettuce, fruit, vegetables, seeds, and beans to a large bowl and toss.
In a small box, mix EVOO and vinegar. Pour over salad and toss.


Candied Bacon: Sweet, salty, and addictive. We paired Bacon Infused EVOO and Maple Balsamic Vinegar for an unforgettable experience. This is perfect for roasted vegetables and salads. Plus, I could dip bread in this all day.

Bacon and Maple Brussel Sprouts
(adapted from I Heart Eating)

1 pound fresh or frozen Brussel sprouts (thawed, if frozen)
2 tablespoons bacon infused EVOO
3 strips bacon
4 tablespoons maple balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Halve Brussel sprouts, put in a large bowl, and set aside.
Cook bacon until it is crisp. Drain, chop, and add to Brussel sprouts.
In a small bowl, mix EVOO and vinegar. Pour over Brussel sprouts and toss to coat.
Spread out Brussel sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges start to brown and crisp.


Spiced Lemonade: Another GREAT option for those who are reluctant to give up the lazy days of summer. Meyer Lemon EVOO mixed with Serrano Chile Honey Vinegar for a sweet and spicy citrus explosion. Makes a delicious marinade for chicken and a bright dressing for salads.

Roasted Lemon Drumsticks
(adapted from Yellow Bliss Road)

10 drumsticks
1/2 cup Meyer lemon EVOO
1/4 cup serrano chile honey vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

In a small bowl, mix EVOO, vinegar, and garlic. Set aside.
Place drumsticks in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Pour EVOO and vinegar mixture over chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, and preferably overnight.
Remove chicken from refrigerator, and bring to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
Preheat oven to 425ºF.
Bake chicken for 20 minutes, turn drumsticks, and cook for 10 more minutes.


Orange Flower: A delicate, floral combination of Blood Orange EVOO and Lavender Balsamic Vinegar. Drizzle this combination over fish, fruits, and salads. A fresh and wonderful combination.

Roasted New Potatoes

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, halved or quartered
2 tablespoons blood orange EVOO
1 tablespoon lavender balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 450ºF.
In a bowl, drizzle EVOO and vinegar over potatoes. Toss to coat.
Spread onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Cook for 40 minutes.

Get Your Grill On 0

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and EvilO has the ingredients you need for the best BBQ on the lake. Here are some suggestions for appetizers, grilling, salads, and even dessert.

Grilling

Try these unique and delicious combinations for both marinades and drizzling on your grilled dishes.
Garlic EVOO with Hickory Dark Balsamic Vinegar
Jalapeno EVOO and Pineapple White Balsamic Vinegar
Smoked Hickory EVOO with Pear White Balsamic Vinegar
Chipotle EVOO with Garlic Dark Balsamic Vinegar
Tuscan Herb EVOO with Italian Lambrusco Red Wine Vinegar
— Rosemary EVOO, Meyer Lemon EVOO with Garlic Dark Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic EVOO with Honey Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar

In addition, our 25 Star Dark Balsamic Vinegar tastes fantastic drizzled over grilled steaks.

Salad Dressings

It may be the beginning of September, but temperatures are still hot. If you plan on serving a salad at your holiday gathering, check out these tasty salad dressing ideas.

Garlic EVOO with Italian Lambrusco Red Wine Vinegar
Tuscan Herb EVOO with Garlic Dark Balsamic Vinegar
Basil EVOO with Strawberry White Balsamic Vinegar

Our Salad Sprayer makes dressing salads (and veggies) easy and convenient. They feature 2 chambers to keep your oil and vinegar separate. You control the percentage of oil to vinegar to spray on your salad. Choose from 100% oil or vinegar and anything in between.

Dessert

Yes!! Oil and vinegar compliment your desserts, too. From simple garnishes to baked goods, there is a decadent dessert idea for you.

Blood Orange EVOO compliments chocolate very well. In fact, it’s addictive. Use it in place of other oils or fats in your recipes for brownies, chocolate cake, or chocolate cupcakes. You’ll be hooked.
Blood Orange EVOO and Chocolate Dark Balsamic Vinegar drizzled over ice cream or cheesecake. Or, use it as a dipping sauce for angel food cake.
Coconut White Balsamic Vinegar and Pineapple White Balsamic Vinegar drizzled over ice cream, fruit, or cheesecake.

Snacks

Jalapeno EVOO or White Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic Cilantro EVOO or Dark Balsamic Vinegar taste great added to salsa, guacamole, or black beans.
Chipotle EVOO goes great with our Sassy Italian bread dipper.
— Pair Basil EVOO with Sassy Italian bread dipper and Fleur de Sel finishing salt.

​We’d love to help create the perfect combination for your Labor Day celebrations. Come down to the shop and sample all our oils and vinegars.

What About Vinegar? 0

We’ve discussed our rich and smooth olive oils, but what about our flavorful vinegars? There’s a lot to love about our large selection of flavored and infused and vinegars. Chances are we have a variety for you to fall in love with.


How is it Made?

Making vinegar involves a 2-part process. It starts with a liquid containing natural sugar, such as grape juice, apple cider, or coconut sap . The addition of yeast changes the sugars to alcohol. This is called alcoholic fermentation. Next, a bacteria called Acetobacter is added to the liquid. It changes the alcohol to acetic acid. The product is now considered vinegar.

What’s So Special About Balsamic Vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar originated in Modena, Italy and was first mentioned in the Royal Archives of Emperor Henry II in 1046. Because of their high sugar content, only Lambrusco or Trebbiano grapes are used to make balsamic vinegar.
Using ancient, traditional methods, carefully selected Lambrusco or Trebbiano grapes are pressed to produce “must”. Next, the must is simmered in copper cauldrons until it is reduced to 40 to 70%. The concentrated must is transferred to casks made of chestnut, cherry, ash, oak, mulberry, and juniper. The must is left to age for at least 12 years. As it ages, some of the liquid evaporates and some is absorbed into the cask. At intervals of 12, 18, or 25 years, the reduced liquid is moved into a smaller barrel and the new must is used to top off another barrel.

Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

Traditionally produced balsamic vinegar is regulated by the European Union Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification and Italy’s Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). To obtain DOC and PDO certification, balsamic vinegar must be produced in Modena or Reggio Emilla from Trebbiano or Lambrusco grapes grown in Modena or Reggio Emillia. It must be aged a minimum of 12 years and approved by the two consortia. Only a small amount is produced each year and is bottled in unique 100 ml bottles. It costs between $75 and $120 per bottle.

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena

This type of balsamic vinegar certified by the European Union Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is made by mixing concentrated or cooked grape must and wine vinegar (wine vinegar is NOT used in traditional balsamic vinegar). This blend is then aged in wooden casks. PGI certifies balsamic vinegars of Modena at a minimum of 2 months or at 3 years. Only grapes from Lambrusco, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Albana, Ancellotta, Fortana and Montuni vines can be used. Also, a minimum amount of 10% wine vinegar, aged at least 10 years, can be used. All vinegars with the PGI logo must be approved by third party auditors of the PGI.

Balsamic Vinegars at EvilO

We offer a 25 Star Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy. It is made especially for our supplier by one of the best artisan producers in Modena. This producer began making balsamic vinegar in 1889. It is considered a Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, although it does not have PGI certification (due to being marketed by a US wholesaler from a US facility to multiple stores). It does not include any thickeners, sweeteners, or low-grade vinegar. Our 25 Star Balsamic vinegar is used in many of our flavored vinegars.

Dark Balsamic vs. White Balsamic

At EvilO, we offer a selection of both white and dark balsamic vinegars. Both are made from the same grapes, but white balsamic is simmered carefully at a lower temperature to prevent caramelization and is often aged for less time. White balsamic features a lighter and cleaner taste. Dark balsamic tastes sweeter and richer.

Peruse the following lists and check out all the delicious flavors we offer at EvilO. Make your own list and come down and try a few (or try them all!).

Dark Balsamic Vinegars

Pecan Praline: A rich and sinful delight in our 25 Star Balsamic Vinegar. Drizzle over ice cream or baked apples. Pairs well with our butter infused EVOO or coconut or chocolate balsamic vinegar.
Vanilla: Another delicious flavor to drizzle over ice cream. Use to flavor glazes and icings or pour a little in your morning oatmeal. Pairs well with blood orange, butter, chipotle, Meyer lemon, or Persian lime EVOO.
Bordeaux Cherry: sweet and tart! Reminiscent of brandied cherries. A great choice on salads featuring feta, goat, or blue cheese. Also a great addition to sauces and glazes. Pair with Persian lime EVOO for a cherry limeade flavor.
Espresso: Perfect for every coffee lover, this balsamic vinegar makes a great marinade or rub for steaks. It’s also delicious added to brownies or chocolate cake. Drizzle over ice cream. Pairs well with blood orange or chipotle EVOO.
Fig: Imparts a nutty and semi-sweet flavor. Perfect on salads or as a bread dipper. Pairs well with blood orange, chipotle, garlic, Meyer lemon, or Tuscan herb EVOO.
Garlic: Makes the most delicious marinade. Pair with Smoked Hickory EVOO for grilled or roasted meat and vegetables. Also yummy on salads.   

Garlic Cilantro:  Tastes delicious in all your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.  Drizzle over tacos, taco salads, guacamole, or salsa.  Use as a marinade for fajita meat.

Hickory: Rich, sweet, and smokey. Makes an ideal marinade for grilled meats and as your secret ingredient in baked beans. Pairs well with garlic and Persian lime EVOO.
Lavender: A lovely delicate and floral vinegar. Drizzle over cheeses, salads, grilled meats, or veggies. Pairs well with rosemary, basil, or herbes de Provence EVOO.
25 Star: Dark, thick, and sweet. Drizzle over steaks, tomato and mozzarella salad, bruscetta, or any grilled veggies.
8 Star: Crisper and lighter than 25 Star. The perfect accompaniment for fresh fruits and veggies.

White Balsamic Vinegars

Blueberry: Sweet like blueberries. This vinegar is ideal for salads or drizzled over cheeses. Pairs well with Meyer lemon or butter infused EVOO.
Coconut: A tropical treat! Drizzle over fresh fruit, white fish, ice cream or sorbet. Use in salad dressings or marinades. Pairs well with Persian lime or Meyer lemon EVOO.
Jalapeno: Sweet and sassy! For those who like a little heat and a little sweet. Ideal for marinades. Pairs well with blood orange, chipotle, garlic, or Persian lime EVOO.
Lemongrass Mint: light and refreshing. You’ll love this white balsamic vinegar on shrimp, lamb, rice, salads, and marinades. Highlights any Asian dish. Pairs well with basil or garlic EVOO.
Orange: Like a sweet, juicy orange. A great vinegar for salad dressings, drizzled over ice cream, or as a glaze. Pair with butter infused EVOO.
Peach:  Tastes like a ripe, juicy peach.  Absolutely delicious in salad dressings and in marinades for poultry or pork.  Pairs well with jalapeño or Persian lime EVOO.

Pear: A fruity delight. Add to salads or marinades. Pairs well with smoked hickory, basil, or chipotle EVOO.
Pineapple: This sweet, tropical vinegar is great in marinades, on salads, or drizzled over ice cream. Delicious when paired with chipotle, Persian lime, or jalapeño EVOO. Also pairs well with coconut balsamic vinegar.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Evokes the flavors and scents of Fall. Add to tea, coffee, martinis, or milkshakes. Also a great addition to pancakes, oatmeal, or muffins. Pairs well with Picual or Cinnamon EVOO.
Honey Ginger: A flavorful choice for Asian or grilled dishes. Also good in salad dressings. Pairs well with Meyer lemon or garlic EVOO.
Raspberry Ginger: Refreshing and crisp, this vinegar is the perfect accompaniment for fresh fruit, pancakes, and salads. Pairs well with blood orange EVOO.

Strawberry:  My favorite white balsamic vinegar.  Super sweet with a bit of tartness.  Tastes great on a spinach salad or paired with the jalapeño EVOO.  I add a bit to water or iced tea for incredible flavor.

Specialty Vinegars

Serrano Chile Honey: Another sweet and spicy offering. Made with small batch honey from 5th generation beekeeper in the Pacific Northwest. You'll love this vinegar in salad dressings, sauces, and marinades. Pairs well with blood orange and Persian lime EVOO.
Lambrusco: This is a delicious red wine vinegar made from the long, natural maturation of Lambrusco wine. Aged in oak barrels for an unmistakable flavor. An EvilO favorite. Perfect with steak and in salad dressings.















We've Moved! 0

If you haven’t visited our shop in a while, now is the time to drop by our new location. We’re now located in the heart of Bathhouse Row at 360 Central Avenue. Our spacious digs allow us to offer an even wider variety of vinegars, oils, and spices. In addition, we are proud to be the only retailer in Hot Springs to be an Authorized Gold Dealer of Big Green Eggs. Big Green Egg produces the premiere ceramic Kamado-style charcoal grill. We carry 5 sizes of Big Green Eggs in addition to a large selection of accessories. You’ll definitely want to check them out.

As always, we encourage you to sample our delicious oils, vinegars, dips, spices, and rubs. Our current favorite combinations are:

The Fiery Redhead: sweet strawberry white balsamic vinegar with spicy jalapeño olive oil. A perfect marriage of sweet and spicy! Use it as a marinade for chicken.
Pina Colada: tropical coconut and pineapple white balsamic vinegars are paired to give you one last taste of summer. An ideal accompaniment to fish or shrimp.
Persian Pear: crisp Persian lime olive oil with juicy pear white balsamic vinegar. Tastes great on a salad.
Blueberry Muffin: blueberry white balsamic vinegar combined with smooth, sweet maple dark balsamic. You’ll love this pairing drizzled over fruit or vanilla ice cream.
-- Basil Lemongrass Mint: light and fresh! Lemongrass mint white balsamic highlights basil olive oil. Another great addition to a summer salad or as a chicken marinade.

We’d love to help you find your perfect combination. We’re open 9am to 7pm Sunday-Thursday, and 9am to 9pm Friday and Saturday. Come visit us today!