Benessare Olive Oils and Vinegars

Wow - got a Groupon for this place and checked it out. I had gotten some of the aged balsamic vinegars before, but was in a hurry that day. Today I had time to really look around and taste - they offer free tasting of everything.

The Balsamic vinegars. are. amazing.

Seriously, you can drink them straight out of a little cup. They can be used as marinades, salad dressings, or even for an ice cream topping (I know you think I'm crazy, but just try it sometime!).

I got the Red Apple, Violet and Lemon Grass Mint this time.

Then I tried out some of the oils. In addition to olive oils, they also have other varieties such as truffle (too strong for my taste buds!) and French Walnut. I had no idea walnut oil existed, but it is spectacular!

I got the French Walnut and an orange olive oil.

They had some ideas - combine the Red Apple Vinegar with the Walnut Oil on arugula, add some nuts and blue cheese. We subbed some goat cheese and it was delish!

They also suggest the orange olive oil with cinnamon pear - kind of wishing I'd picked some of that up! I would highly recommend you try this place out, I foresee many wonderful salads in our future (and vinegar-covered coconut ice cream).

Chicken Soup

I was really craving chicken soup on this blustery Fall day, so I just threw together everything I was craving...the family downed this and went back for seconds! Made enough for our family of four to eat hearty servings today and enough to freeze for another meal.

• 4 cups chicken stock
• 29oz can of pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp Penzey Spices "Sunny Paris" seasoning
• Carrots cut into small pieces
• 1 sweet onion
• Chicken (I used two cans Kirkland canned chicken)
• Corn (optional)

1. Bring chicken stock, pumpkin puree and seasoning to a boil for about 10 minutes.
2. Add everything else and simmer for 2 hours.