Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Pork Tenderloin Pedro Ximénez

This dish takes its name from the exquisitely sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry. Pork tenderloin is an extremely lean cut that will stay juicy with my two-step sear-and-bake method. Thinly slice any leftovers and pile on a crusty roll for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

  • 1 pork tenderloin, between 1 and 1 1/4 pounds
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided use
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed, peeled, and minced
  • 1/2 cup Pedro Ximénez sherry
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the tenderloin on a piece of parchment or wax paper. Brush it on all sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle on the salt, then pat on the black pepper.

Step 2

Heat a Dutch oven wide enough to hold the pork over high heat. When hot, add the rest of the olive oil and the pork. Sear the pork on all sides, turning it with tongs every 2 minutes.

Step 3

Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the oven to finish cooking for 10 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer registers 145°F when inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin. Carefully place the Dutch oven on the stovetop and move the pork to a cutting board to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 4

Turn the heat up to high, add the shallots and garlic to the pan juices, and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Deglaze the pan with the sherry, using a spatula to get up all the brown bits. Bring to a boil and cook until the sherry is reduced by half. Add the stock and boil it down until it’s reduced, again by half, and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Take the pot off the heat and whisk in the butter.

Step 5

Slice the tenderloin into 8 medallions, divide among 4 plates, and spoon on equal amounts of sauce.

Serves 4

Avocado Tuna Salad

This twist on tuna salad forgoes mayo for creamy, nutrient-dense avocado (the avocado should be ripe but still somewhat firm). This recipe is also great made with grilled tuna—the next time a fillet is on the dinner menu, consider making a little extra to enjoy this dish for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Hass avocado, cut into chunks
  • One 5-ounce can chunk light tuna, drained and flaked, or the equivalent amount of grilled tuna 
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3/4 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons minced red onion
  • 4 cups mixed spring greens, arugula, and/or baby spinach

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil and lime juice. Whisk in the parsley, salt, and pepper. Place half the avocado chunks in the bowl and mash them into the dressing. Gently fold in the rest of the chunks, the tuna, tomatoes, beans, and red onion. 

Step 2

Divide the greens between two bowls and top with equal amounts of the tuna and drizzles of olive oil.

Yields 2 servings

Sherried Carrots

The sherry intensifies the natural sweetness of the carrots and creates a rich glaze.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound carrots, scrubbed and peeled as needed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Pedro Ximénez sherry
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Step 1

Cut the carrots on the diagonal into slices about 1/2 inch thick. Place them in a large frying pan and add just enough cold water to cover them. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a rapid boil.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to a low boil and add the olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 20 minutes, until almost all the water has evaporated and the tip of a knife easily pierces a few carrots.

Step 3

Add the sherry to the pan and continue cooking until it mostly evaporates and the carrots are nicely glazed. Just before serving, sprinkle with parsley and drizzle with olive oil.

Serves 4

Olive Oil and Lemon Pancakes

Pancakes from scratch take breakfast (or brunch) to a whole new level. These are so tasty that you don’t need any syrup to enhance their flavor. If you want a nutritious garnish, top each serving with mixed berries. 

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour  
  • 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or equivalent 
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder  
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 large or extra-large eggs   
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided use
  • 1-1/3 cups milk or non-dairy alternative 
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla  
  • Zest of one large lemon 
  • 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. 

Step 2

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then add 3 tablespoons olive oil, the milk, ricotta, vanilla, and lemon zest. Whisk well, then fold in the lemon juice.

Step 3

Using a large spatula, scrape the liquid mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and blend thoroughly, being sure to incorporate all the flour into the batter.

Step 4

Heat a griddle over medium heat. When ready, brush the griddle with the final tablespoon of olive oil. Use an ice cream scoop to make as many 4-inch pancakes as will fit without crowding. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the edges start to firm, then flip the pancakes and continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Repeat until you’ve used up all the batter. 

Yields 20 pancakes