Flavored Olive Oil

I was in an Italian restaraunt a few weeks ago. They had a delicious oil on teh table for use to sop up with the bread before dinner. It contained several herbs. Does anyone have a recipe for such an oil?

Thank You!
Dave Schaefer

[layjo]

Was it an oil or a pesto? Sometimes I've been to Italian restaurants where they have pestos alongside some fresh baked bread to dip with?

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[m brown]

Dave, try Penzeys.com, they carry a wide array of spices and there is a mix just for oil dipping.
Otherwise just take your herbs and spices and add them to warm oil, let cool and serve.
ie: salt, rosemary, black pepper, lemon zest or cheese.
this is one of those by eye recipes!

[This message has been edited by m brown (edited July 28, 2000).]

Originally posted by layjo:
Was it an oil or a pesto? Sometimes I've been to Italian restaurants where they have pestos alongside some fresh baked bread to dip with?

It was an oil in a bottle with a pour spout, and about 4 sprigs of rosemary, some whole peppercorns, garlic, and other herbs in the oil. Ont thick like pesto, definately oil with flavorings, though.

Dave Schaefer

[layjo]

Yeah! I think M Brown gave a very good reply to your question. And when you use garlic in the oil, heat the oil on low heat for a few minutes to infuse the garlic flavor( just before the garlic starts to sizzle) and then let it cool till it's warm and add other desired herbs, then let cool to room tempuature. Store in a very clean, sealable container (like a decrative pouring bottle with a cork) in dark cool area of your pantry. If you let the mixture set for a week or more the flavors will be more pronounced.

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[cape chef]

All good advice, However be aware when using a high quilaty olive oil heating it can destroy its flavour. try warming a vegetable oil or conola oil with your rosemary and garlic ,let cool,cover and let sit over night.then add this to your good olive oil with some fresh lightly brused rosemary and garlic. safty point. oil does go rancid so use it as fast as you can no more than a week
Brad