Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Benissimo Gourmet Oils by Hongar Farms. We were provided a bottle of gourmet oil in exchange for a review and to host the giveaway. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% ours, not affected in any way by the compensation received.
One of the best things about eating at my favorite restaurant of all time, The Mustard Seed, in Charleston, South Carolina, is the herb crusted bread with dipping oil that is served while you wait for your meal. It would be easy to fill up too much on that and not be able to enjoy your meal, which you don’t want to do because of the delicious food they serve. Most people who visit Charleston want to stay downtown, but if I’m ever asked about places to eat, I always encourage people to venture away from downtown, at least once, to enjoy this restaurant gem!
So when I first was asked by Benissimo Gourmet Oils by Hongar Farms if we would be interested in reviewing their product, the fond memories I have of eating at Mustard Seed immediately came to me. Since moving away from Charleston, I have missed that restaurant a lot. It’s kind of silly to get so attached to a restaurant, but such it is, I suppose, with us Foodies!
The first thing you will notice about these oils are that they are beautifully presented, in such a way that you want to keep them out on your kitchen counter, rather than hide them away in a cabinet or pantry. They add something, a really nice touch, to your kitchen. And there are nine different flavor varieties, so something for everyone.
I was also pleased to learn that all Hongar Farms products are 100% natural and contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or cholesterol. With up to 800 milligrams of omega-3 per serving, not only are the oils great tasting but also healthy!
How we enjoyed the oil
We sampled the Mediterranean Garlic flavor, and The Chef used it with his Tomato and Mozzarella Crostini recipe that we served as a part of our Feast of the Ages recipe series back during our first year of blogging. It was fun to have that recipe again, but this time with this flavored oil, which added a hint of extra flavor to the crostinis.
The Chef also decided to use it with our fried cabbage side dish, which is one The Well-Fed Kids love so we eat it very regularly. We loved the added flavor it gave to this dish.
And I will be looking forward to using it with my Marinated Lentil Salad, a regular for me. I make it every couple of weeks as a healthy evening snack to eat when I get the munchies after the kids are in bed!
Other uses for the oil
These flavored oils would make a nice gift for any foodie, whether for a birthday, Christmas, wedding, anniversary, housewarming, teacher or hostess gifts. The price at our online store is discounted ($4.99 per bottle, discounted from up to $8.99 retail), so this is the perfect place to buy a sampling of different flavors for different gift giving needs. For those who prefer to shop locally, there is a list of stores that carry Benissimo products on our website under the “Shop Now” link.
Other ideas for your own person use could include drizzling the oil over salads or toast, using to marinate or season roasted meats and vegetables, or substituting it in place of regular oil for your favorite recipes. Also, you can find more recipe ideas on the Hongar Farms website here.
About Hongar Farms
The roots of Hongar Farms date back 450 years ago to a farm nestled in the Austrian Alps, just east of Salzburg. Only the highest quality herbs, spices, oils, vinegars, produce and meats were used in the kitchens of Hongar Farms, and they were carefully sourced to please regional royalty, wealthy traders, and landowners. While our roots date back many centuries, our current flavor-infused oils developed into today’s flavors between the 19th and 20th centuries. These beloved, time-tested recipes are available in the Benissimo product line.
Giveaway!
And now, for your chance to win a bottle of Benissimo Gourmet Oil … to enter you must be a U.S. resident and at least 18 years old:
About the Author
Adopted at age 2, grew up in the Charlotte, NC area. Obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. Loves being a Mom of two and taste-testing Chef John's culinary creations and sharing them with readers.
Seems perfect to make use of anything, really. Love to get this one a try
Aisha Kristine Chong recently posted…Let’s talk about Interiors and Home Decors
I havent ever really cooked with oils before… But that Garlic sounds really good . I also love the presentation of the oils
These oils would like great just sitting on my counter top!
Lawna recently posted…Valentine’s Event - Sugarwish
They look so beautifully packaged and that alone makes me want to reach for one. I love gourmet oils and buy them whenever I can; love the brand. TY!
Elizabeth
Eliz Frank recently posted…Haiku: Gaining Perspective
I’ve never used gourmet oils before and the ones listed sound likes one I would so be interested in using. I’m not that great in the kitchen but here’s hoping for a win nontheless.
Me either Amanda …. but that is the beauty of products like this! The added flavor element in the oil can go a long way it creating a perception that you ARE great in the kitchen! 😉
I love oils especially when I use my air fryer or create toasted breads!! Yum!!
I really like the idea of giving these oils as a gift to a food lover. So many great and tasty uses for them.
Onica {MommyFactor} recently posted…Andy Garcia Interview for At Middleton Film #AtMiddleton
What a great giveaway. I love those bottles, I just think they look so attractive in the kitchen.
I am attracted to the oil bottles. Is there some kind of herb embedded inside the bottle? That is so cool if it is. I feel like they would be in my kitchen counter too.
Some of them do have herbs in them … not sure all of them do, but definitely the Mediterranean Garlic that we tried!
I love flavored oils. You could use them for lots of different recipes.
Tess recently posted…Animal Pizzazz-T Moody Designs
I would love to try these oils. Thanks for the chance to enter.
i lvoe gourmet oils they make things taste so good and gives it an added kick to spice things up
Benissimo oil sounds great for revamping my cooking style and invent some new dishes. I will be certainly looking for this one in our grocery store. Thank you!
Wow, what a great contest. I bet my husband would love this. He is the cook in our house.
Amber Nelson recently posted…Kendra Says Legalize Prostitution, Y’all.
I’ve heard of Benissimo Gourmet Oil but never got to try it. I saw my local grocer on the store list though so I’ll add it to my shopping list. I’d love to try the garlic one and probably something for veggies! I tend to not like most veggies without some sort of flavored oil.
Mina Slater recently posted…DIY Bow Tie – How To Make Your Own Bow Tie – Easy, No Sewing Needed
I love flavored oils and have tried to make them before… Mine get rancid so I am happy to find a company that makes them.
Terry recently posted…#Giveaway SmartSilk™ Pillow Review ~ Enjoy A Relaxing Night Of Sleep
These oils look great! I love cooking and baking with gourmet oils. Next, I’m going to try some olive oil cupcakes. I’ve seen them at the local olive mill and they look delicious!
Slap Dash Mom recently posted…White Chocolate Cupcakes With Honey Pistachio Frosting
I honestly haven’t Cooked with that many kinds of oils before. I think I should change that Oh, and those Crostinis look AMAZING.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
I’ve never used oils like this but have had them in restaurants. I think I may have to try these!
Ashley Wintters recently posted…Always and Forever by S.P. Cervantes
I love flavor-infused oils like this! I’d use the garlic on some pasta. Just that and parm cheese is an easy meal!
Nikki recently posted…Reading Eggs Improves Your Child’s Literacy the Fun Way #ReadingEggsUS
I used to live in South Carolina and would eat at the Mustard Seed frequently too! They were so good. One of my favs was a spinach and goat cheese salad. It was drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil so it would be perfect for this oil too! I am going to have to look for Benissimo Gourmet Oil net time I am at the store!
Kimber recently posted…Comment on {Luvocracy} The Best New Way to Shop Online! by Ave
Oh my goodness! I can’t believe that … you know exactly what I mean then.
I almost always would get Saute Shrimp Linguine. Every once in a while I’d try a special or something new but that was definitely my favorite.
I really can not eat anything with oil of any kind or my gall bladder acts up-and that is no picnic in the park. My Mom on the other hand loves dipping bread into oil and I know she would enjoy an oil she could use t home for at least that purpose-You may have just solved what to get her for Valentine’s day!! Thank you!!
Michele recently posted…@ E-Books GA (3)/Review-Friendship on Fire (#3 The Bradens)-Melissa Foster-Ends 1/30/14
Oh good! If you decide to get her one I think she will really love it!