A Day for Everyone to Celebrate the Earth
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each.”
— Henry David Thoreau

Once a year time stands still and we are all called upon to honor this planet of ours—Earth. 

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22,  is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mother Nature and all that she does for us. Earth Day got its beginnings in the 1970s thanks to its founder Gaylord Nelson. Then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Nelson tirelessly fought to push for the rights of the environment and rallied the American people for environmental protection.

His passion pursued and Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970.

The reasoning behind this was simple but profound. Nelson decided to have citizens ask some tough and noteworthy questions—”What are the particular pollution problems in your area? What needs to be done to alleviate them? How do you make the public aware?"

And thus, Earth Day manifested itself into a life changing experience for society as a whole. Communities stretched far and wide across this country began to ask these questions.

Throughout the decades, Earth Day has transformed the public’s perceptions of how to protect the environment that we live in. Grassroots efforts have led to numerous changes that now protect Mother Nature.

Fast forward to Earth Day 2017—this year is set to be even bigger than ever. According to the Earth Day Network “more than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year making it the largest civic observance in the world.” A great reminder that the Earth is for everyone! 

From everyone here at Villa Graziella artisan crafted wines made with organic grapes & Villa Gabriella organic foods we hope you have an earth-filled day on April22nd. We invite you to consider celebrating our earth in your own personal way, for we believe individual activity contributes to the greater good for all of us!

Morgan ShepardComment
Balsamic Roasted Red Potatoes

Who doesn’t like potatoes?  Using Villa Gabriella Organic 8 year aged Balsamic Vinegar di Modena & Villa Gabriella Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, we tweaked a recipe from faithfullyglutenfree for a healthy & delicious side dish. The rich caramelized natural vinegar flavors enhance chicken, fish or meat, you’ll certainly want a second helping! 6 Servings

Easy Ingredients

  • 2 pounds small, red potatoes washed, patted, dry & quartered
  • 3 tablespoons Villa Gabriella Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup Villa Gabriella Organic Balsamic Vinegar
  • 6 gloves of garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
  • 2 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced 
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Simple Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400◦F
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 12” inch skillet over medium-high heat
  3. When hot, add potatoes, garlic, shallot, herbs & cook for 5-8 minutes
  4. Add thyme & nutmeg, mix well & cook until the potatoes are heated through 
  5. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a parchment lined cookie sheet
  6. Transfer potatoes to the cookie sheet & spread in a single layer
  7. Bake until potatoes are golden & tender, 20-25 minutes, turning once midway
  8. Add the vinegar, salt & pepper toss well
  9. Remove from the oven, toss again
  10. Serve immediately, enjoy with Villa Graziella artisan crafted Chianti DOCG made with organic grapes. 

Tried, Tasted & True!

At Villa Gabriella Organic our team tries & tastes every recipe we feature.  While we love to share our family recipes & those of talented home cooks & chefs, sometimes we adapt them so they are even easier to make. As with our products, our goal is for you to have a healthy & delicious experience using Villa Gabriella recipes. So try them out in your kitchen, feel free to tweak them & please tell us what you think. We welcome your comments & feedback!

Grazie da Team VILLA GABRIELLA

clientservice@villagabriellallc.com

RecipesMorgan ShepardComment
Olive Oil & Lemon Bundt Cake

Using Villa Gabriella Organic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, we tweaked a recipe from the spruce for a moist, delicious dessert. Easy to make, suitable year-round, enjoy it after dinner, the next day for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. 

Easy Ingredients: 8 servings 

  • 1 cup Villa Gabriella Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for bundt pan
  • 6 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups granulated turbinado sugar(Sugar In The Raw) 
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, divided
  • 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt 
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Icing ingredients 

  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon almond soy milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Simple Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, lightly oil & flour a 12-cup Bundt pan set aside 
  2. In a small bowl, combine soy milk & 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, mix until just combined, set aside
  3. Combine dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl sift flour, baking soda, salt & nutmeg together until well-mixed, set aside
  4. Combine wet ingredients; in a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer on a medium-speed, beat together sugar, eggs & olive oil
  5. Beat for 4-5 minutes, until mixture is pale yellow color, add remaining 1/3 cup lemon juice & beat until combined
  6. Add the flour mixture with soy milk-lemon juice mixture; alternate between dry & wet ingredients. Start & end with the flour mixture, beating well between additions 
  7. Mix until incorporated, do not overmix
  8. Pour batter into prepared Bundt cake pan, bake 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean
  9. Allow cake to cool for 30 minutes in the pan on a wire rack, carefully turn the cake onto a plate or wire rack to cool completely
  10. Dust with confectioners' sugar or prepare below icing onto cooled cake
  11. Serve & enjoy at room temperature or cold. Can’t finish it all in 1 day? Cover tightly to prevent from drying out

Icing Directions

  1. Combine confectioners' sugar & poppy seeds in a medium bowl 
  2. Gradually whisk in the almond soy milk & lemon juice until the mixture is smooth
  3. Icing should be runny enough to run down the sides of cake, but not too runny that it doesn't dry white on the cake
  4. If mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon more of almond milk, if too runny, add a tablespoon more of confectioners' sugar 
  5. Once cake has cooled completely, drizzle icing over top. Allow icing to set completely before serving

Tried, Tasted & True!

At Villa Gabriella Organic our team tries & tastes every recipe we feature.  While we love to share our family recipes & those of talented home cooks & chefs, sometimes we adapt them so they are even easier to make. As with our products, our goal is for you to have a healthy & delicious experience using Villa Gabriella recipes. So try them out in your kitchen, feel free to tweak them & please tell us what you think. We welcome your comments & feedback!

Grazie da Team VILLA GABRIELLA

clientservice@villagabriellallc.com

RecipesMorgan ShepardComment
Tom Hyland: Why Piemonte?

Villa Graziella sits down with wine expert Tom Hyland to discover Italy’s hidden gem—the Piemonte region. Regarded for its breathtaking views of the vineyards amidst the backdrop of the Alps, Piemonte is also grounded in authentic winemaking. Be sure to watch and discover why!

Videos, Kitchen ConversationsMorgan ShepardComment
Tom Hyland: Piemonte's Ambassador

Villa Graziella sits down with author & journalist Tom Hyland to congratulate him as Piemonte’s Ambassador for the region’s wine. Piemonte wine prides itself from the region of Piedmont—located at the base of the Alps in northern Italy, it is best known for the sparkling Asti, noble Barbera, Barolo, Barbaresco varietals & delicious Gavi white wine. Want to learn more? 

Videos, Kitchen ConversationsMorgan ShepardComment
Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Need an idea for Friday evening dinner after a busy week? How about fresh salmon fillets glazed with   Villa Gabriella Organic 8 year aged balsamic vinegar di Modena? Easy to prepare, we tweaked a recipe from allrecipes.com for a healthy & delicious dinner to start your weekend right!   Serves 5 to 6. 

Easy Ingredients

  • 6 5-ounce-fresh salmon fillets
  • 1/3 cup Villa Gabriella Organic 8 Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar di Modena
  • 3 tablespoons of Villa Gabriella Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 5 teaspoons Dijon mustard 
  • 3 tablespoons of dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • Sea salt & fresh cracked pepper to season

Simple Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil & brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. In a small saucepan, over medium heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 
  3. Add garlic & cook until soft & golden, approx. 3-5 minutes, do not brown. 
  4. Add white wine, honey, balsamic vinegar, mustard, salt & pepper. 
  5. Simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes, until liquid thickens, remove from heat & set aside.
  6. Arrange salmon on foil lined baking sheet, skin side down. 
  7. Brush fillets with balsamic glaze, season with oregano.
  8. Bake 10-15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a knife on an angle into the center of salmon & gently part the meat. If opaque & flakes into small pieces, salmon is cooked.
  9. Remove fillets from oven, brush with remaining glaze, season with salt & pepper, allow fillets to “rest” 2-3 minutes & remove skin.
  10. Serve & enjoy with Villa Graziella artisan crafted IGT Bianco Toscano white wine made with organic grapes.

Tried, Tasted & True!

At Villa Gabriella Organic our team tries & tastes every recipe we feature.  While we love to share our family recipes & those of talented home cooks & chefs, sometimes we adapt them so they are even easier to make. As with our products, our goal is for you to have a healthy & delicious experience using Villa Gabriella recipes. So try them out in your kitchen, feel free to tweak them & please tell us what you think. We welcome your comments & feedback!

Grazie da Team VILLA GABRIELLA

clientservice@villagabriellallc.com

RecipesMorgan ShepardComment
Morgan’s Olive Oil & Honey Banana Bread
NewBananabread.jpg

Morgan’s banana bread is still your favorite recipe and so good you won't even know it's healthy! Whole wheat flour, naturally sweetened with honey and our organic certified extra virgin olive oil instead of butter. This recipe will satisfy your cravings without feeling guilty!

Ingredients

  • 3 overripe brown bananas, peeled and mashed

  • 1/3 cup Villa Graziella Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 3/4 cup honey

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, optional

  • 1/2 cp dark chocolate chips, optional

Directions 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.

  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the wet ingredients until well combined.

  4. In a separate large bowl, sift the dry ingredients together

  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon, until just combined. Do not over-mix.

  6. Fold in walnuts and/or chocolate chips, if using.

  7. Pour mixture into loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean

  8. Allow to cool in loaf pan before slicing

  9. Enjoy!

**Tip: If your bananas aren't quite brown yet, place them on a cookie sheet and pop them in the oven at 300 degrees. Keep a close on eye on them and take them out once brown. 

Tried, Tasted & True!

At Villa Graziella Organic our team tries & tastes every recipe we feature.  While we love to share our family recipes & those of talented home cooks & chefs, sometimes we adapt them so they are even easier to make. As with our products, our goal is for you to have a healthy & delicious experience using Villa Graziella recipes. So try them out in your kitchen, feel free to tweak them & please tell us what you think. We welcome your comments & feedback!

Grazie da Team Villa Graziella Organic

clientservice@villagraziellaorganic.com

RecipesMorgan Shepardrecipe, banana bread, olive oil, healthy, baking with olive oil, bakingComment