Evilo Blog — Espresso Dark Balsamic Vinegar

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Going, Going, Gone 0

 

As we move into 2017, we're discounting Fall Flavors to make way for everything the new year has to bring.  While supplies last, all things pumpkin are 50% off.  This includes:

-- Pumpkin Pie Spice White and Dark Balsamic Vinegars:  These are both perfect for drizzling over roasted sweet potatoes or roasted butternut or acorn squash.  They also taste great poured over ice cream.  One of our regular customers adds a tablespoon to her pancake batter.  Pairs well with Cinnamon Infused EVOO, Butter Infused EVOO.

-- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert Mix:  Add softened cream cheese to make a delicious cheeseball to serve with gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fruit.  Or, for a real treat, add softened cream cheese and Cool Whip to make a pie filling.  

We're also discontinuing 500 ml bottles of our oils and vinegars.  However, we have a few bottles left, which are discounted 20%, while supplies last.  We have the following available:

-- Mocha Almond Fudge Dark Balsamic Vinegar:  Drizzle over berries or ice cream. Also add a little to coffee.  Pairs well with Blood Orange EVOO, Chipotle EVOO.

-- Maple Dark Balsamic Vinegar:  Drizzle a little over pancakes or waffles, or add some to the batter.  Also makes a great glaze for pork or bacon.  Pairs well with:  Blood Orange EVOO, Chipotle EVOO, Cinnamon Infused EVOO, Butter Infused EVOO, Basil EVOO, and Meyer Lemon EVOO.

-- Espresso Dark Balsamic Vinegar:  Use as a marinade for steak, chicken, or pork chops.  Drizzle over finished steaks before serving.  Also adds flavor to stews.  Pairs well with Blood Orange EVOO, Chipotle EVOO, Garlic EVOO, Meyer Lemon EVOO, and Tuscan Herb EVOO.

-- Lavender Dark Balsamic Vinegar:  Makes a delicious marinade for chicken.  Also great for roasting new potatoes or using in vinaigrettes.  Pairs well with Herbs de Provence EVOO, Persian Lime EVOO, Basil EVOO, Blood Orange EVOO, Tuscan Herb EVOO, and Meyer Lemon EVOO.

-- Vanilla Dark Balsamic Vinegar:  Delicious drizzled over berries, brownies, ice cream, or all three together!  Makes an incredible vinaigrette with Blood Orange EVOO.  Also pairs well with:  Chipotle EVOO, Butter Infused EVOO, Meyer Lemon EVOO, and Persian Lime EVOO.

-- Lemongrass Mint Dark Balsamic Vinegar:  Brings an enticing Thai flavor to any dish, and also enhances Asian dishes.  Perfect for dressing cold noodles, salads or in a dipping sauce for spring rolls, lettuce wraps, etc.  Pairs well with Basil EVOO, Persian Lime EVOO, Chipotle EVOO, Basil Lemongrass EVOO, and Meyer Lemon EVOO.

-- Cinnamon Infused EVOO:  Absolutely wonderful for baking muffins or quick breads.  Also a great addition to pancake or waffle batter.  Use for roasting sweet potatoes, yams, butternut squash, or acorn squash.  Pairs well with Pear White Balsamic Vinegar, Maple Dark Balsamic Vinegar, Pumpkin Pie Spice Dark or White Balsamic Vinegar, Vanilla Dark Balsamic Vinegar, or Pecan Praline Dark Balsamic Vinegar.

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!

 

 

 

Friday Favorites 9/9/16 0

The calendar may say September, but the temperatures are still in the 90s. Whether you are spending your weekend on the lake or binging on college and NFL football, we hope you have a great time. Here’s what is on our radar this weekend:

11th Annual Hot Springs Bike Rally: Welcome bikers to the largest bike rally in Central Arkansas. Events include a vendor mall, poker run, parade, and performances by Mustang Sally and Joe Nichols.


The Spice Lab’s Himalayan Salt Cooking Plate and Serving Tray: These are perfect for your game day snacks and appetizers. Heat or cool them, they hold the temperature for quite awhile and keep your snacks at the appropriate temperature and give them the perfect amount of flavor. Come on down to the store and check them out! We’ll talk more about them in an upcoming post.


Sales!!: Who doesn’t love a sale? At EvilO we just reduced the price on a few items, while supplies last.
— 500 ml Bottles of oils and vinegars: Get 20% off on 500 ml bottles of Australian Barnea and Cinnamon EVOO and Pistachio, Lavender, Mocha Almond Fudge, Espresso, Vanilla, Maple and Lemongrass Mint Dark Balsamic Vinegars.
— Discontinued flavors of oils and vinegars in 200 ml bottles: Get 10% off on Australian Barnea and Cinnamon EVOO; Orange and Pumpkin Pie Spice White Balsamic Vinegars; and Chocolate Dark Balsamic Vinegar.


Have a great weekend!!

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.