Holiday Meals for Everyone

HOLIDAY MEALS TO INCLUDE EVERYONE AT THE TABLE

Holiday meals for those with dietary needs may initially seem complicated – but fear not. Armed with a selection of our top recipes, along with the know-how to sidestep specific concerns, you’ll have easy entertaining all wrapped up. These are sensational dishes that will satisfy everyone at the table – special diet, food allergy or otherwise.

Vegan Holiday Recipes

Vegan Meals: Plant-based plates are more widespread now than ever before, with vegan-friendly dishes a welcome addition to any holiday table. Doing double-duty as both inspired sides and satisfying mains, a few of our faves include:

Warm Lentil and Spinach Salad sprinkled with crisp, refreshing pomegranate seeds for a ruby red pop of holiday color.
Broccoli Rabe with Roasted Tomatoes and Mixed Mushrooms tossed and roasted with a flavor-packed vinaigrette using Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar.
Roasted Beets & Fennel with Oranges & Walnuts lending fresh and juicy flavors to any brunch, lunch or dinner table.

Insider Tip: These delish vegan dishes can easily be made ahead, then warmed and tossed with a few last-minute garnishes before presenting to appreciative friends and family at the holiday table.

Dairy-Free Meals: A popular choice during the holiday season, we too are fans of special seafood dishes – especially tossed with a tangle of pasta and a simple sauce of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, garlic, white wine, fresh herbs and spices. In the absence of cream or cheese, only the brightest of flavors get to really shine through in both our Vermiceli with Clams and Linguine with Crab.

Insider Tip: When going full tilt on tradition with a twist, this dairy-free brined and Olive Oil Roasted Turkey will be your new centerpiece-worthy go-to, in our humble opinion. Especially when accompanied by an equally delectable Madeira Cider Gravy.

Gluten-Free Meals: As a hearty side dish or meatless main, Peppers Stuffed with Ratatouille and Quinoa won’t leave anyone feeling deprived of flavor in the slightest. Here, Mediterranean vegetables are sautéed with Filippo Berio Olive Oil, then tossed with quinoa and spooned into sweet peppers before being baked until golden and tender. Oh, and that drizzle of our Classic Balsamic Glaze just before serving truly elevates the festivities. Delizioso!

Insider Tip: The addition of shredded cheese near the end of bake time is a terrific touch for these stuffed peppers but can be easily omitted or swapped for gluten-free fresh breadcrumbs with a drizzle more olive oil. (Psst: this makes them vegan, too).

Baking with Olive Oil

LEVEL UP YOUR BAKING PROWESS

There’s something so heart-warming about the comforting aromas of home-baking coming from your kitchen. Here at Filippo Berio, we love to bake and adore sharing our passion for baking with you. From quick breads and hand pies to share-worthy crisps and celebratory cakes, all can be made a little more heart-healthy with the addition of olive oil in your recipe.

Coffee Cake

There are plenty of ways to embrace your inner baker, no matter your skill level. So, tie on your apron – it’s time to get baking!

Beginner Baker:

Speaking of aromas, in this case, scents of warm spices and almonds, our Apple-Pear Crisp is simple to pull together and a delicious way to bake with seasonal fruits. Bonus: It’s not as involved as pie or hand pies* can be. Serve warm by the oversized spoonful, topped with ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Insider Tip: Leftovers are unlikely. However, for a fruit-laden breakfast bowl, enjoy any remaining crisp warmed through with a dollop of yogurt and sprinkle of crunchy pumpkin- or hemp seeds.

Intermediate Baker:

A one-bowl banana bread studded with dates and walnuts stirred together with honey, yogurt and olive oil? You bet we did! And without any sugar in sight. Lightly spiced and with deep banana flavor for days, we predict this Filippo Berio Banana Bread will become your new go-to quick bread recipe.

Insider Tip: Dates not your thing? Swap them out for 1/2 cup of dried blueberries, or chopped dried figs or apricots. For a touch of decadence, replace the dried fruit with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Expert Baker:

As an indulgent double-chocolate treat, our Chocolate Torte Recipe makes enough to dazzle 10 (or more!) lucky recipients. Though tailored to those comfortable with recipes a tad involved, everything here is baked together in one pan and needs nothing more than a dusting of icing sugar or fresh berries to complete it…if that. Dial back the effort even more by using store-bought candied pecans. Or forego them entirely and fold lightly toasted hazelnuts, pine nuts or walnuts into the batter instead.

Speaking of hand pies*, go all out when guests are coming with this recipe for adorable, tender Spiced Caramelized Pumpkin Hand Pies. Bonus: It uses store-bought puff pastry (or pie dough of your choice) and canned pumpkin purée, cutting down on kitchen time considerably.

Insider Tip: Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil withstands high heat, keeping your cakes and quick breads moist and delicious. It also has a subtle, delicate taste, making this an ideal choice for almost any treat you’re baking.

Tried & True Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  It’s the perfect time of year to celebrate family and friends.  Like many of you, Food is definitely our love language here at Filippo Berio. Thanksgiving is your chance to show your loved ones how much they mean to you by planning a very special menu to share.  Whether it’s your first time preparing a turkey dinner or you’re a seasoned holiday home cook, check out the tips below to help create delicious Thanksgiving dinner staples.

Tried & True Thanksgiving Tips

The Stuffing:

No need to reach for a pre-prepared box when making your stuffing. Hearty bread stuffing is a highlight of Thanksgiving dinner. It’s made a little more heart-healthy with the addition of olive oil.

Not sure where to start? Try one of our favorite recipes: Leek and Chestnut Bread Stuffing using Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Insider Tip: When baking your stuffing, use a Pyrex dish, as opposed to a ceramic one, the bottom of the stuffing will brown better.

The Vegetables:

It is the perfect time of year to celebrate harvest season with delectable root vegetables. They not only taste great, but they add a beautiful seasonal color to the dinner table.

Try this easy, delicious Roasted Root Vegetable Recipe using Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Insider Tip:  If using beets, keep them separated in a smaller bowl when coating with olive oil, as they may stain other vegetables.

The Potatoes:

Elevate traditional mash potatoes! Parsnips add a little sweet and earthy spice to a tried-and-true classic.

Need some inspiration? Check out our Potato and Parsnip Mash Recipe using Filippo Berio Delicato Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Insider Tip: For a smoother texture use a hand mixer on medium high for approx. 1 minute for a light and fluffy mash.

The Gravy

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a perfectly pourable, delicious gravy.

Delight your friend and family with one of our favorite recipes: Try our recipe: Madeira Cider Gravy using Filippo Berio Olive Oil

Insider Tip: The gravy can be made one day ahead, stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, and gently reheated over a low flame, stirring continuously, adding more stock to loosen, if necessary.

The Turkey

The star of the Thanksgiving meal is the turkey! And, gone are the days of the dry, tough, and stringy Thanksgiving Day bird. Enter the brined turkey.

Try this showstopper recipe Olive Oil Roasted Turkey using Filippo Berio Olive Oil

Insider Tip: Brushing olive oil on the turkey before and after roasting results in a fabulous depth of flavor.

Time to make your shopping list and don’t forget the olive oil. Invite Filippo Berio to your Thanksgiving gathering, you’ll taste the difference. Happy Thanksgiving!

Ultimate Grill Guide

It’s officially summer! Meaning it’s also officially BBQ season. When it’s too hot to cook, you want less dishes, or you just love that old fashion BBQ char, check out these tips below for simple, delicious and healthy grilling.

 

Ultimate Grill Guide

 

BEST OILS TO USE:

When grilling at a high temperature, it is best to use oils with higher smoke points to avoid burning. We recommend Filippo Berio Olive Oil or Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil. When marinating, Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oils are great to add flavor to meats and vegetables.

 

HOW TO BUILD A SIMPLE MARINADE

Combine these steps and marinade in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight (the longer the better)! Use about 1 ½ Cup Oil to 1 Cup Acid (see examples below).

 

Fat – This helps keep food moist, lock in flavor and prevent it from sticking to the grill.

TRY: Filippo Berio Olive Oil, Filippo Berio Extra Light Olive Oil or Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Acid – These help to tenderize and add flavor;

TRY: Filippo Berio Balsamic Vinegar, Filippo Berio Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Aromatics – Boost flavor and add character to the marinade

TRY: Onion, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh or dried herbs

 

[4:37 PM] Marissa Presbury Eh, no I think it looks weird... let's do Filippo Berio: Ultimate Grill Guide

 

GET GRILLING!

For the Beginner Barbecuer – Balsamic Marinated Portobello Steaks, Grilled Shrimp with Tropical Salsa, Balsamic Marinated Vegetables, Chicken Kabobs with Zucchini and Cherry Tomato 

Occasional Summer Griller – Rosemary Grilled Chicken, Radicchio Salad with Halloumi, Grilled Calamari Salad

Master of the Grill – Grilled Vegetable Pizza, Pesto Stuffed Burger, Grilled Steak Fajitas

Bet you’ve never grilled this! Gilled Banana Sundae, Olive Oil and Grilled Figs Pound Cake, Grilled Fruit Sangria

How to Stay Healthy on a Vegan Diet

 

Ensure you are still getting all of your nutrients and cooking flavorful nourishing meals with Filippo Berio!

 

How to Stay Healthy on a Vegan Diet

Ensure you are Eating Sufficient Protein: One common misconception is you cannot get enough protein on a vegan diet! The truth is there are many abundant sources of plant-based protein, which we can substitute for traditional animal protein. In fact, we can only digest 20-25 grams of protein per meal, therefore eating too many meat-heavy meals can result in excess protein and nutrients being excreted through urine. Further, many animal-based proteins are high in saturated fats which are linked to cardiovascular disease. So, even if you are not going vegan, a few meatless meals a week can’t hurt! Check out the recipes below!

 

 

On average:

Women Need: 56g / day

Men Need: 46g / day

 

Try incorporating:

Soy – Tofu, Tempeh, Edamame

Legumes – Chickpeas, Hummus, Black Beans, Lentils, Kidney Beans, White Beans

Nuts & Seeds – Nut butter, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, chia seeds, hemp seeds

 

Try out these protein-packed recipes: Balsamic and Tofu Vegetable Stir Fry with Filippo Berio Balsamic Glaze, Roasted Eggplant Lentil Salad with Tahini Dressing Made with Filippo Berio Olive Oil

 

Eat the Rainbow:

With all the vegan products on the market, it is easy to fall into the trap of substituting your regular meals with processed vegan products such as veggie burgers, mock meats, vegan cheeses, and sweets. Although these might be tasty, they are very low in nutritional value. Instead try to eat as many whole plant foods as possible including fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds! A good rule of thumb is to try and eat as many colors as possible, this ensures you are getting a good variety of nutrients!

 

Try out these nutrient-dense whole food recipes: Farro with roasted Cauliflower, Broccoli and Tofu with Filippo Berio Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Chunky Roasted Vegetable Soup with Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

Eat Sources of Healthy Fats:

Healthy fats help nutrient absorption, hormone balance and provide a feeling of fullness! Overall, they are essential for a healthy balanced diet. Healthy fats can be found in a variety of animal products such as fatty fish, eggs, and yogurt. When you are not eating these animal products, it is essential you eat other sources of healthy fats to ensure you are getting a sufficient amount of mono-unsaturated fats and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Try plant-based sources such as Olive Oil, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Avocado, or Nuts.

 

Olive oil is a simple ingredient you can use to add healthy fats, antioxidants, and flavor to any meal!

 

Try these recipes loaded with healthy fats: Asian Broccoli Salad with Tofu and Peanut Dressing with Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetables with Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Marinated Portobello Mushrooms

 

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5828430/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322295.php

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil#section6

https://www.popsci.com/plant-protein-healthier/

 

 

Holiday Meal Plan

The holiday season is upon us, and just like every year, some things never change! You guessed it, cooking the most delicious holiday meals and seeing the look of appreciation on your loved ones’ faces remains a constant.

This year try adopting a healthier approach, enjoy your favorite holiday meals without the usual feeling of guilt, by using Filippo Berio Olive Oil.

Traditional holiday dishes are often loaded with butter, which is filled with saturated fats, known to raise cholesterol. This year, rather than preparing your side dishes with butter, try swapping for Filippo Berio Olive Oil instead. This can be done when sautéing vegetables such as green beans, or when roasting brussels sprouts for example.

Now you might be wondering, what about the main course? Will olive oil be able to handle the heat needed for roasting? The answer is yes! Filippo Berio Olive Oil performs well in temperatures needed for roasting in the oven and can help you cook a delicious turkey with smoke points ranging from 401°F – 437°F. If you have a flavor injector, you can inject Filippo Berio Olive Oil right into the breast meat for a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast. If you do not have an injector, do not worry! You can gently lift the skin and rub Filippo Berio Olive Oil under the skin. Make sure that you also coat the entire bird with Filippo Berio Olive Oil for crisp, brown skin. You will thank us for that later!

 

Learn more about how to substitute your butter for Filippo Berio Olive Oil

Determine which Filippo Berio Olive Oil is best to use based on what you are cooking

 

Looking for Gluten-Free, Vegan, or Vegetarian options? We got you covered! Whether you are following a special diet, or just want some healthier options on the table, these delicious recipes are for you!

 

Gluten-Free

Baked eggplant with fontina cheese

Total time: 40 min

Serving: 4

 

10 minute zesty salsa

Total time: 10 min

Servings: 6-8

 

Brussel sprouts with pancetta

Total time: 25 min

Servings: 10

 

Vegetarian:

Green bean salad

Total time: 25 min

Servings: 8

 

Guacamole with balsamic glaze

Total time: 10 min

Servings: 8

 

Italian herb bread dipping oil

Total time: 5 min

Servings: 4

 

Vegan:

Roasted root vegetables

Total time: 1h 5min

Servings: 8

 

White bean bruschetta

Total time: 30 min

Servings: about 24 bruschetta

 

Apple pear crisp

Total time: 1h 25 min

Servings: 6

 

Omnivore:

Olive oil roasted turkey

Total time: 20h 45 min

Servings: 8 to 12

 

Madeira cider gravy

Total time: 1h 30 min

Servings: 8 to 12

 

Apple, dried plum & madeira stuffing

Total time: 2h 15 min

Servings: 8 to 10

 

Sources: https://www.aboutoliveoil.org/substitute-olive-oil-for-butter-this-thanksgiving#addsearch=christmas%20turkey

3 Ways To Build The Best Charcuterie Board

If there’s one thing we can call agree on, it’s that charcuterie is the best part of any meal! Get creative with your platters with Filippo Berio Oils, Vinegars, Glazes, and Pestos. Check out these ideas below to make Vegan, Gluten-Free, or Omnivore charcuterie.

 

Charcuterie - Vegan

Vegan

No meat, no cheese, all the flavor! 

To start:  Fill your platter with homemade Foccacia Genovese made with Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil and lots of fresh vegetables and crackers of your choice.

To Dip: Start with a simple Lemon and Olive Oil dip, perfect for soaking up all the flavor in Foccacia! For the vegetables, make a batch of Sweet Potato Hummus

To Enhance: Serve with Smokey Spanish Almonds, or White Bean Bruschetta, try topping with extra Filippo Berio Balsamic Glaze for a kick of flavor!

 

Charcuterie - Gluten-Free

 

Gluten-Free

Adapt all your charcuterie favorites to be Gluten-Free!

To Start: Fill your platter with Toasted Lemon Kale Chips, gluten-free crackers, any meats or cheeses, and fresh vegetables.

To Dip: Start with a Simple Hummus and homemade Olive Tapenade. For the icing (aioli) on the cake try a homemade Olive Oil harissa Aioli, not only is it delicious, but it is much healthier than store-bought options, made with only 6 ingredients.

To Enhance: Add extra Filippo Berio Grilled Vegetable Pesto for dipping, or serve with a simple Beet Carpaccio with Toasted Hazelnuts and Filippo Berio Balsamic Glaze garnish with seasoned Rosemary Popcorn (trust us, this will add flavor and looks beautiful)!

 

Charcuterie - Omnivore

Omnivore

New ideas to spice up your classic charcuterie!

To Start: Try this decadent Grape and Gorgonzola Focaccia and these Mozzarella Prosciutto and Tomato Skewers, add any extra crackers, meat or vegetables of your choice

To Dip: For the focaccia, simply mix Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Filippo Berio Balsamic Vinegar and add Filippo Berio Classic Pesto to a small ramekin. Try preparing a Spicy Olive and White Bean Dip for the Vegetables

To Enhance: Serve with Roast Beef and Pesto Roll Ups or Blistered Balsamic Grape Crostini’s

5 Ethnic Twists on a Basic Vinaigrette

Transport your taste buds around the world by experimenting with different herbs, spices and a few simple swaps. Experience flavorsome notes inspired by the cuisine of France, Mexico, Asia, and the Mediterranean, including Italy. Who knew creating such a variety of dressings could be so easy?