I just finished leading a Gourmet Market Tour here in Denver with Culinary Connectors. (See my link.) They give Gourmet and Ethnic Market Tours and Restaurant tours in the Denver/Boulder area and soon to be expanding to Aspen.

We had such a ball at EVOO Marketplace in Lodo Denver. They have the finest selection of Olive oils and Balsamic Vinegars I have ever seen. Not only do they sell 18 year old Balsamic  vinegar but many flavors of fused Balsamic vinegar such as black cherry, peach and their newest item, Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar. I had to buy some of that and I am going to use that in mascarpone with a little brown sugar and then dip strawberries into it. A fabulous, simple dessert!

I also found a great combination of Peach Vinegar and Persian Lime oil. That would be great drizzled over a lemon risotto topped; with grilled asparagus. Or how about the Mushroom and Sage oil drizzled over a Butternut Squash risotto?

We had so much fun tasting and combining flavors. When you go into the store, they show you how to pour little tasters into cups and then dip bread, cheese, or even just your finger in to taste. You could spend hours coming up with new flavor combinations.

EVOO sells online as well. So go to my links and see what they have. Read the rest of this entry »