Olive Bloom

Well it's olive bloom season again. The bloom is heavy, and weather has been conducive to good pollination. The temperatures have been warm enough, but rain showers have washed some of the bloom away. This could lead to a natural thinning, which could be positive, because the bloom is so heavy. But it's too early to tell yet.

The sick trees bloomed early. I say "sick" because 4 days of very low temperatures, (in the teens), in December 2009 caused new growth shoots to split and open, allowing olive knot to enter, thereby disrupting the molecular structures of the branches. We'll probably have about 33% loss in production of Manzanilla fruit due to the 2009 freeze. Any varieties that were pruned prior to bloom will bloom directly after the sick tree bloom. Normally Manzanillas bloom first. Any trees that haven't been pruned will bloom last. Bloom will end in the next 7 to 10 days.

Muffaletta Olive Spread Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 cup black olives, pitted and drained
1/2 cup green olives, salad-type
1 stalk celery
2 tablespoons capers
1 red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, approx
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions:

Chop the olives through garlic in the food processor. Add olive oil until mixture just begins to loosen up. Transfer to a bowl and stir in herbs and pepper. Store in the fridge

NOTE: This spread is wonderful on a New Orleans style muffaletta sandwich but is also great on crostini, crackers and flour tortillas or pita bread points.

Olive Boy says -

The Olive Hut Blog is going to a new monthly format. Be certain to check periodically throughout the month for specials, however!

If you have suggestions for features you would like to see implemented into the Olive Hut Blog, please leave a Comment. Or, you may send your suggestions directly to Olive Boy!

Shop The Olive Hut! The Olive Hut features an excellent assortment of olives, olive oils, olive products, nuts, fresh produce, and specialty items.

Be certain to check out our Free Recipes!

- Scott Patton

Chicken with Olives - Moroccan Tajine Recipe

Green Olive Dip Recipe

Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz. size) cream cheese
1 jar green olives
1/2 pint whipping cream
1 tablespoon salad dressing
Garlic salt

Directions:
Whip cream and set aside. Beat cream cheese, then add whipped cream and salad dressing. Fold in olives and sprinkle garlic salt to taste. Serve with crackers.

Olive Boy says -

Shop The Olive Hut! The Olive Hut features an excellent assortment of olives, olive oils, olive products, nuts, fresh produce, and specialty items.

Be certain to check out our Free Recipes!

- Scott Patton

Olive Tapenade Recipe

Greek Feta and Olive Spread Recipe

Ingredients:
6 ounces Feta cheese
1 1/2 tablespoon Olive oil
1 teaspoon Lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Garlic, minced
2 ounces Sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated in warm water for 20 minutes)
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1 tablespoon Black olives, minced
Pita bread

Directions:
Place the feta, oil, lemon juice, garlic, tomatoes and oregano in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth. Place in a bowl and blend in the olives by hand. Serve with toasted pita triangles.

Olive Boy says -

Shop The Olive Hut! The Olive Hut features an excellent assortment of olives, olive oils, olive products, nuts, fresh produce, and specialty items.

Be certain to check out our Free Recipes!

- Scott Patton

Made in Spain - Olive Tapa

Feta Cheese-Olive Spread Recipe

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 package (8 oz. size) cream cheese
3 tablespoons milk (or butter or olive oil)
1/3 cup black olives, chopped
1/3 cup green olives, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in bowl. Can be made into ball and rolled in parsley. Or, to use as a spread (softer), make it in the food processor:

Start with both cheeses and mix well: add enough milk to make a spreading consistency. After you have the consistency you want, add garlic and blend. Add olives (any variety you like) and parsley and pulse a few times.

Turn into pretty bowl and serve with crackers or carrots, celery, peppers, etc

Olive Boy says -

Shop The Olive Hut! The Olive Hut features an excellent assortment of olives, olive oils, olive products, nuts, fresh produce, and specialty items.

Be certain to check out our Free Recipes!

- Scott Patton

Low Carb Crepe (with Mushrooms, Cheese & Olives) Recipe

Creamy Olive Spread Recipe

Ingredients:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup pimiento stuffed olives, chopped (reserve liquid)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons reserved olive liquid
1 dash cayenne pepper
1 dash Tabasco
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with electric beater until fluffy. Add mayonnaise and beat until creamy. Add olives, nuts, olive liquid, cayenne, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce and blend well. Cover and chill for 24 hours before serving. Serve with assorted crackers or party rye slices.

Olive Boy says -

Shop The Olive Hut! The Olive Hut features an excellent assortment of olives, olive oils, olive products, nuts, fresh produce, and specialty items.

Be certain to check out our Free Recipes!

- Scott Patton

Olive Caper Halibut

Chopped Olive Spread Recipe

Ingredients:
12 ounces pimiento-stuffed green olives, halved if large
8 ounces pitted kalamata olives
1/4 cup drained capers
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
4 oil-packed anchovy fillets, chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, smashed with the blade of a knife and finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and process with short pulses until evenly chopped. Do not overprocess - some texture should remain. Add­ just the seasoning and serve.

Olive Boy says -

Shop The Olive Hut! The Olive Hut features an excellent assortment of olives, olive oils, olive products, nuts, fresh produce, and specialty items.

Be certain to check out our Free Recipes!

- Scott Patton

Olive Oil Tasting in McLaren Vale