The Virtuous Olive|DEV Spoon & Suitcase

Beets – A Fresh Idea

by Mary | Jun 1, 2016 | Olive Oil, Recipe, Salads & Soups, Vegetarian

I don’t know what happened but my beet crop was disastrous this year. The “golden” beets I planted in the fall evolved into knotty, dingy beige, woody and inedible roots. Thank goodness my neighbor, Sandy, who is an amazing gardener, gifted me with three beautiful...

Roberto Cooks Sicilian

by Mary | Aug 5, 2015 | Italy, Olive Oil, Personalities, Recipe, Seafood

My friend Roberto, musician, teacher and lover of food, especially Italian, came to visit last weekend. He brought us the best gift. He cooked for us! Did I mention Roberto is Sicilian? His recipes are not what you would find in any restaurant and probably rarely what...

Preserving Garden Tomatoes

by Mary | Jul 29, 2015 | All Food, Garden, Italy, Olive Oil, Preserved Food, Recipe

Tomato sauce recipes are ubiquitous. Ask your friends and they will all have their own versions which most cling to like a plum pit. If you grow your own tomatoes like I do, you want to do something really special with your precious harvest. This year I am growing...

Immersed in Olive Oil

by Mary | Oct 31, 2014 | Italy, Olive Oil

It’s been a busy month and I am happy to announce that my new enterprise, The Virtuous Olive is up and running. The shop is stocked with fruity oils, natural and flavored. My goal is to bring a taste of the true Italy to your table. These photos are from La...