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Musings about Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the Farm at IL Fiorello, and good eating.

Ciao Ann

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Organic Farming is Important

IL Fiorello is double certified by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) and Certified Naturally Grown. C.N.G. is a cooperative farmer driven certification that covers our entire Farm. CCOF certifies our olive groves. Organic is a legal term defined by the FDA. But it really means that the farmer who is certified organic has a deep […]

Cluckington Manor

HENS  *  EGGS  *  AND A CHICKEN RETIREMENT HOME           Once upon a time there was Gladys, Henrietta, and Freida and 9 other girls. And the one gentleman, a Barred Rock, named Captain Nelson for his leadership qualities.  They arrived on Father’s Day as a gift to Mark! A huge surprise including an egg collecting […]

Creamed Shishito Peppers

INGREDIENTS 2 Garlic Cloves 2 Shallots 1 Tsp Black Pepper 8 oz Shishito Peppers 1Tbsp Oil 1 Cup Heavy Cream or 1/2 Heavy Cream & 1/2 Half and Half 1 Oz Parmigiano Reggiano Grated   METHOD Brown all the peppers & spices in the oil Saute until soft Add cream Simmer Remove from heat and […]

Chilled Cucumber Soup

INGREDIENTS: 6 Cucumbers 5 6′ long cucumbers & 1/2 one for garnish 3/4 Cup Vegetable stock 1/4 Cup IL Fiorello Koronieki Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3Tbsp Lemon Juice 2 Cloves Garlic Salt & Pepper 1 Tbsp Sherry Vinegar  

TOMATOES, TOMATOES, TOMATOES WE ARE CELEBRATING TOMATOES.

We are growing 50 varieties of tomatoes at IL Fiorello Little ones, big ones, green ones, yellow ones, and red ones. Black Krim and Evil Olive are two of the more unique varieties in our Farm gardens. The “Love Apple” in France, treasured in Italy and originally from the Americas. Olive Oil and tomatoes are […]

July 2022 Best in California

June was a wild and busy month at IL Fiorello. Lavender weekend was a huge success, and everyone had a great time. We laughed, ate, and enjoyed all things, Lavender. The Lavender martinis were enjoyed by all and were especially popular. IL Fiorello is going back to its roots! Literally and figuratively! Olives have a […]

The Life of Olive Oil

How to store olive oil and what to do to prevent degradation of the oil.   Heat, light, air, time, and cold are the enemies of olive oil.   HEAT –  Degrades the flavors LIGHT – Can make the oil rancid AIR –     Causes oxidation TIME –   Oil naturally degrades over time, COLD – Causes […]

Irish Pies and Grove vs Orchards

March came in like a lion and hopefully will go out like a lamb. We had hail and high winds in early March. Today we have misty gentle rain. We have finally finished pruning the Olive Grove. In Italy, they say that you prune an olive tree so that a swallow can fly through without […]

February 2022

 HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR HEART From the heart of IL Fiorello to you and yours     Olive oil is good for you, it is delicious and plays well with food. It is an important part of the Mediterranean Diet. Good olive oil makes the food better, and good food makes the oil […]

January 2022

A DAY AT IL FIORELLO The Day Begins at Sunrise Sunrise, with hope for a better day. Good strong coffee, sleepy cats, and an amazing sky. I begin the day with a sense of urgency to accomplish something good, something that will have influence in my life, my staff, and my guests at IL Fiorello. […]

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