Recipes & Pairings

Signature Recipes from Our Kitchen

Santa Barbara Harvest Bruschetta 🍞

Showcases the oil's fresh, herbaceous character

Ingredients:

• 4 thick slices artisanal bread

• 3 ripe heirloom tomatoes, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chiffonade

• 3 tablespoons California Coast Naturals EVOO

• 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar

• Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

Method:

1. Toast bread until golden and rub with garlic clove

2. Combine tomatoes, minced garlic, and basil

3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, season to taste

4. Top bread with mixture and finish with additional EVOO drizzle

The peppery finish of our oil perfectly balances the sweet tomatoes and creates that perfect "bite" that makes great bruschetta.

Coastal Olive Oil Lemon Cake 🍰

Proves that great olive oil elevates even desserts

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup California Coast Naturals EVOO

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 lemons (zested and juiced)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

1. Whisk together dry ingredients

2. Beat eggs, slowly add olive oil, then milk

3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in lemon zest

4. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes

5. Brush warm cake with lemon juice and olive oil glaze

Our olive oil's fruity notes create incredible moisture and a subtle, sophisticated flavor that pairs beautifully with citrus.

Grove-to-Table Herb Oil 🌿

Multiply your olive oil's versatility with fresh herbs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup California Coast Naturals EVOO

• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary

• 1/4 cup fresh thyme

• 2 sprigs fresh oregano

• 3 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method:

1. Gently warm oil to 180°F (not simmering)

2. Add herbs and garlic, infuse for 30 minutes

3. Strain through fine mesh, bottle in dark glass

4. Use within 2 weeks for maximum flavor

Perfect for finishing roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or drizzling over pizza.

Mediterranean Olive Oil Poached Fish 🐟

Gentle cooking that preserves all the oil's beneficial compounds

Ingredients:

• 4 white fish fillets (halibut or sea bass)

• 2 cups California Coast Naturals EVOO

• 4 garlic cloves, sliced

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

• Cherry tomatoes

• Sea salt and white pepper

Method:

1. Heat olive oil to 140°F in wide, shallow pan

2. Season fish with salt and pepper

3. Add garlic, thyme, and lemon to oil

4. Gently poach fish for 8-12 minutes until flaky

5. Serve with poaching oil as sauce

This technique preserves every health benefit while creating incredibly tender, flavorful fish.

Perfect Pairings Guide

Wine & Olive Oil Harmonies 🍷

With Crisp Whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio):

• Early harvest oil for bright, grassy notes

• Fresh herb preparations and citrus vinaigrettes

• Seafood dishes with lemon and olive oil

With Rich Whites (Chardonnay, Viognier):

• Late harvest oil for smoother, fruitier character

• Roasted vegetables and creamy preparations

• Olive oil cakes and dessert applications

With Light Reds (Pinot Noir, Sangiovese):

• Medium-intensity oil that won't compete

• Herb-crusted meats and rustic preparations

• Pasta dishes with simple, clean flavors

With Bold Reds (Cabernet, Syrah):

• Robust early harvest oil that can stand up

• Grilled meats with herb oil finishing

• Hearty stews and braised dishes

Cheese Pairing Perfection 🧀

Fresh Cheeses (Mozzarella, Ricotta, Goat Cheese):

• Delicate drizzle of late harvest oil

• Add flaky sea salt and fresh herbs

• Perfect with honey and crushed nuts

Aged Hard Cheeses (Parmigiano, Aged Cheddar):

• Bold early harvest oil stands up to intensity

• Drizzle generously and add cracked pepper

• Pair with aged balsamic and fresh fruit

Blue Cheeses (Gorgonzola, Roquefort):

• Smooth late harvest oil balances saltiness

• Add toasted walnuts and pear slices

• Finish with honey for perfect harmony

Bread & Dipping Combinations 🥖

Classic Italian Dip:

• EVOO + aged balsamic + sea salt + fresh herbs

Mediterranean Style:

• EVOO + lemon juice + oregano + cracked pepper

California Twist:

• EVOO + lime zest + chili flakes + garlic

Gourmet Finishing:

• EVOO + truffle salt + rosemary + parmesan

Cooking Techniques That Preserve Quality

Temperature Guidelines 🌡️

Finishing (No Heat):

• Preserve maximum polyphenols and flavor

• Best for: Salads, drizzling, dipping

Low Heat (Under 250°F):

• Gentle sautéing retains most benefits

• Perfect for: Vegetables, delicate proteins

Medium Heat (250-375°F):

• Standard cooking range for most dishes

• Good for: Pan-frying, roasting

Avoid High Heat (Over 400°F):

• Breaks down beneficial compounds

• Better to finish with fresh oil after cooking

Flavor Enhancement Techniques ✨

Cold Infusions:

• Herb oils (steep herbs in oil for days)

• Citrus oils (add zest to oil, strain after 24 hours)

• Spice oils (peppercorns, chili flakes)

Warm Infusions:

• Garlic oil (gently warm, don't brown)

• Rosemary oil (heat to release aromatics)

• Bay leaf oil (subtle, sophisticated flavor)

Emulsification Magic:

• Perfect vinaigrettes (3:1 oil to acid ratio)

• Mayonnaise base for exceptional flavor

• Pasta water + olive oil = instant sauce

Seasonal Pairing Calendar

Spring Pairings 🌸

Fresh ingredients that celebrate renewal:

• Asparagus with lemon and olive oil

• Pea shoots in simple olive oil pasta

• Fresh herbs in every dish

• Light fish with citrus olive oil

Summer Pairings ☀️

Peak produce enhanced by quality oil:

• Tomato salads with basil and olive oil

• Grilled vegetables finished with herb oil

• Stone fruits drizzled with olive oil and honey

• Cold soups enriched with olive oil swirls

Fall Pairings 🍂

Harvest flavors that complement our oil:

• Roasted squash with sage olive oil

• Apple dishes with olive oil cake base

• Mushroom preparations sautéed in olive oil

• Hearty salads with warm olive oil dressing

Winter Pairings ❄️

Comfort foods elevated by exceptional oil:

• Braised meats finished with fresh oil

• Root vegetables roasted in olive oil

• Citrus salads brightened with oil

• Warm bread for olive oil dipping

Chef's Tips from Our Kitchen

Storage for Cooking 🏠

• Keep a small bottle near the stove for easy access

• Refill weekly from your main bottle

• Never store directly above heat sources

• Use within 30 days of opening for peak flavor

Measuring for Recipes 📏

• Finishing drizzle: 1-2 teaspoons per serving

• Salad dressing: 3 tablespoons oil to 1 tablespoon acid

• Sautéing: 1-2 tablespoons per pan

• Roasting: 2-3 tablespoons per sheet pan of vegetables

Flavor Balancing ⚖️

• Too peppery? Balance with sweet (honey, fruit)

• Too mild? Add acid (lemon, vinegar) to brighten

• Too rich? Cut with fresh herbs or citrus zest

• Need depth? Warm gently with garlic or herbs

Recipe Development with Our Oil

Substitution Guidelines 🔄

Replacing Butter in Baking:

• Use 3/4 the amount of olive oil

• Add extra moisture if needed

• Works best in rustic cakes and breads

Replacing Other Oils:

• 1:1 ratio for most applications

• Reduce slightly for delicate flavors

• Increase for bold, Mediterranean dishes

Creating Your Own Signature Dishes 👨🍳

Start with these winning combinations:

• Olive oil + citrus + herbs = instant brightness

• Olive oil + garlic + chili = perfect heat

• Olive oil + cheese + nuts = rich satisfaction

• Olive oil + tomatoes + basil = classic perfection

Seasonal Recipe Collections

Throughout the year, we'll share new recipes that celebrate both the season and our latest harvest. Follow along as we explore how different harvest times create unique culinary opportunities.

Current Featured Recipe: Harvest Season Spotlight 🌟

Check back monthly for new seasonal recipes that showcase our latest harvest characteristics and seasonal ingredients.

Ready to transform your cooking? Start with our Limited Estate Collection and discover what 247 years of olive oil expertise brings to your kitchen.

California Coast Naturals: Where exceptional oil meets exceptional cooking.