Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Garlic and Lemon Aioli with Fresh Asparagus

This is a recipe my wife, Meghan, and I enjoy as an appetizer when asparagus is in season. We use a Microplane to grate the lemon zest and garlic.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, tough ends removed, preferably thicker stalks
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh and finely grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
  • 1 to 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely grated 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
  • Coarse salt (kosher or sea) and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Roast, grill, or blanch the asparagus until tender. (The time will depend on the thickness of the asparagus.) Set aside.

Step 2

Make the aioli: Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Cover and refrigerate if not using immediately. Transfer to an attractive bowl and serve with the asparagus.

Serves 2 — Recipe courtesy of the Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club

Prosciutto Wraps

As I settle into the dog days of summer, I plan my menus to get the most taste for the least amount of cooking, and these wraps fit that to a T. Thin slices of prosciutto are the perfect alternative to flour-based wraps—more flavorful and practically carb-free. I love the creaminess of the Brie and avocado “stuffing,” but you can roll up goat cheese and figs, cheddar and apple slices, mozzarella and tomatoes, or your own creative combination.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces Brie
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 8 very thinly sliced pieces of prosciutto 
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Maldon or another coarse sea salt 
  • Black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1

Cut the avocados in half and use a spoon to carefully remove each half from its peel; cut the avocado into thin strips.

Step 2

Cut the Brie into thin slices. Bundle 2 or 3 pieces each of avocado and Brie at one of the short ends of a prosciutto slice and roll it up. Repeat with the remaining prosciutto.

Step 3

Place two wraps on each of four salad plates and drizzle with olive oil and a few drops of the balsamic.

Step 4

Top with the salt and a grind of black pepper.

Yields 4 servings

The Ultimate 4th of July Potato Salad

Potato salad is the quintessential summer side dish, and I love mine done to the max. This variation includes not only hard-boiled eggs, but also crispy bacon, all dressed in a vinaigrette—so good you’ll want it for your main dish!

Ingredients

  • 8 eggs
  • 8 ounces bacon
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, more to taste
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, more to taste
  • 4 pounds red new potatoes
  • 6 scallions, rough chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1

Hard-boil the eggs, peel them under running water, and then cut into large diced pieces; set aside. Cut the bacon strips into 1″ pieces and sauté in a large skillet until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain. 

Step 2

In a large serving bowl, whisk the vinegar and Dijon together, and then slowly whisk in the olive oil; set aside. 

Step 3

Cut the potatoes into large diced pieces and cook in boiling water until easily pierced with the tip of a knife, 7-10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for only about 5 minutes; then fold them into the dressing (doing this while the potatoes are still warm helps them absorb all the flavors).

Step 4

Gently fold in the bacon, eggs, scallions, and herbs. Taste and add salt, pepper, and more Dijon and/or olive oil as desired. Serve at room temperature with a final sprinkle of coarse salt. 

Serves 8

Asparagus and Crispy Bean Salad with Manchego

This is a great use for canned cannellini beans (or use garbanzos). Sprinkle with Spanish smoked paprika, if desired, before roasting.

Ingredients

  • One 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • 8 ounces fresh asparagus, tough ends snapped off
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided use Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 ounces arugula
  • 3 ounces shaved Manchego cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh mint
  • Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
  • One 1.6-ounce can Spanish anchovies, rolled into tight spirals, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and spread the beans out to dry while the oven is heating.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the asparagus and blanch for
1 minute. Drain and quickly plunge the asparagus into an ice bath to cool. (This step also sets the green color.) Cut the spears lengthwise into 2-inch pieces.

Step 3

Remove the paper towels and keep the beans on the baking sheet. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the beans, season with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, and toss to fully coat. Transfer to the oven and cook for 20 minutes or until browned and crisp. Remove the beans from the baking sheet and cool to room temperature.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the arugula, asparagus, cheese, mint, and beans. Right before serving, slowly drizzle in about 3 tablespoons of olive oil and gently toss. Add a little more olive oil if the salad looks dry.

Step 5

Spread the salad on a large platter and garnish with the anchovies, if using. Finish with flaky sea salt.

Serves 4 to 6 — Recipe adapted from Food52.com