We here at Southampton Olive Oil wish you the most delicious future together!
It is no coincidence your gift is Pomegranate Quince White Balsamic Vinegar, both fruits have been symbols of love, fertility, and marriage for thousands of years. In many ways, they are the original “romance” fruits of the ancient world.
In Greek mythology, the pomegranate is the sacred fruit of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. In many Mediterranean cultures, it’s still a tradition to break a pomegranate at weddings to ensure a fruitful and prosperous marriage.
The quince has an even more direct link to weddings. In the ancient world, it was often confused with—or was the precursor to—the apple. Quince were the traditional gift given to newlyweds as a symbol of commitment and luck.
This ‘Marasca’ (60 ml bottle) gift will make both of the following recipes (but you’ll have to share the drink!)
‘WEDDING BELLS’ BELLINI
(Pomegranate Quince Shrub)
A super refreshing drink that packs a punch and is the perfect summer thirst quencher.
Apparently, you can add alcohol, but don’t quote us on that!
This delightfully refreshing beverage is customizable! Go with what YOU like! As well as your wedding show gift, try any of our sweet White Balsamic Vinegars for your patio drink of the summer!
Ingredients
1 Tbsp (15 ml) Pomegranate Quince White Balsamic
6-8 oz Soda Water
Directions
Combine both ingredients in a tall glass over ice, stir and enjoy!
If you want to dress it up, add a sprig of rosemary and a few pomegranate arils (seeds)
SOOC ‘MARRY ME’ CHICKEN
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise into 4 thin cutlets) or 4 boneless thighs.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) high-quality EVOO. (Of course you know, there’s NONE better than Southampton Olive Oil!)
- 3 Tbsp (45 ml) Pomegranate Quince White Balsamic
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sweet onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (33% or 35% M.F.).
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (not ground ‘powder’)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Finish: Fresh basil leaves.
Instructions
Sear: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the EVOO (or other, I suppose) in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover with foil.
Sauté: In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then reduce heat to medium.
Deglaze: Pour in the 3 Tbsp (45 ml) of Pomegranate Quince White Balsamic. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release the “fond” (the tasty browned bits). Let it bubble and reduce by half—this concentrates the quince and pomegranate notes.
Simmer: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir in the broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Melt: Stir in the Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it sit for 1 minute to warm through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil.
NOTE: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh (just be sure to get it ‘golden crisp’) and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Pomegranate Quince White Balsamic actually makes the name “Marry Me Chicken” much more literal and historic than the original recipe. You’re basically serving up a legendary love potion!
Here are some other recipes that use this product:
Try as a substitute in the following recipes: