www.bistrogourmetfoods.com
February 2010

Happy February. I hope you are enjoying your winter wherever you are. Did you watch the Superbowl? Did your team win? Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

No, you did not miss an issue. I took a little break in January. Holiday exhaustion, you know. But now I am back.

We love our vinegar products. One reason is because balsamic vinegar is good for you. It starts with the harvesting of the grapes. Northern Italy, particularly in and around Modena, has the soil, sun and climate conditions that produce the especially tasty Trebbiano grape. Good grapes produce good vinegar just as they produce good wine.

Wine is produced utilizing fermentation whereas vinegar is the result of an evaporative process. Think of it this way; wine ferments in the cool environment of the cellar while vinegar ages in the heat of the attic. Wine is ready for bottling fairly early in its process but good balsamic vinegar takes years and years of barrel-aging to produce the dark, sweet, syrupy delight that we love.

This month's recipe is a tasty vinaigrette you should try. The flavor of blackberries will wake up those taste buds tired of the same old thing.

Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

2 Tbsp Bistro Blends Blackberry Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp fresh lemon
1 Tbsp water
1/3 cup pure or light olive oil*
pinch of salt

In a small bowl add the Dijon mustard, vinegar, and water. Whisk briskly to blend. Add the pinch of salt and the lemon juice. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking the mixture. Continue whisking until it emulsifies.

Let sit about 10 minutes for the flavors to mingle. Whisk again and toss with your favorite greens. Adjust proportions to your taste, of course.

*Pure or light olive oil has a less intense olive flavor than extra virgin and works better with the berry balsamic vinegars.

IDEAS
Bistro Blends Garlic Balsamic Bistro Oil adds a bit of snap to hummus.
Bistro Blends Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Meyer Lemon brings out the best in steamed veggies or grilled seafood.
Fresh green beans, mushrooms, and onions stir-fried with Bistro Blends Thai Sesame Ginger makes everyone ask for seconds.
Lamb or beef kabobs marinated in Bistro Blends Cabernet & Roasted Garlic Marinade then broiled or grilled are amazing.

REMINDER
We start doing shows again soon. To see when we'll be exhibiting near you please check our show calendar.

Live Deliciously!
DATES	CITY, STATE	EVENT	LOCATION
March 4-7, 2010	Jacksonville, FL	Home and Patio Show	Prime Osborn Convention Center
March 19-21, 2010	Orlando, FL	Central Florida Home and Garden Show	Orange County Convention Center

This is always up to date on the Bistro Gourmet Foods website: www.bistrogourmetfoods.com

Live Deliciously!

Holiday gifts, housewarming, teacher appreciation, hostess gift, birthday present or just pamper yourself, go to www.bistrogourmetfoods.com

Bistro Blends Orlando LC dba Bistro Gourmet Foods, PO Box 163057, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716