A big surprise 👀 Calabrian dessert 🥮 Where to buy oil 🫒
Christmas Dessert
I'm going to tell you a secret that's going to get me into some trouble. I'm not a huge fan of Italian desserts. I know, drag me. I'll take a pecan pie or apple crumble over most Italian desserts, except maybe tiramisu or panettone.
However, one Calabrian dessert is growing on me. But it's not because I actually like to eat it... I love to make it! It's called pitta cu d'ogghiu (translate as "pitta con olio" and AKA "pitta 'nchiusa"). Imagine taking a classic cinnamon roll, making it extra skinny then stuffing it with heaps of olive oil, almonds, and alcohol-soaked raisins. Lastly, roll it up similar to a cinnamon bun, place the rolls in a zazzly design and you have a version of pitta cu d'ogghiu!
For the last few years, I've joined Giuseppe's cousins and aunt as they set up a mini supply chain in secondary kitchens, restaurant basements, and wherever else we can 'get the ground dirty with smashed raisins'. There are usually 5 or 6 of us each working a different station. Zia slams the dough onto the table, rolls it out wafer-thin, before finally rolling it back up to place onto a large flat surface to be filled.
Desserts made with olive oil are some of our favorites. While pitta cu d'ogghiu might be off the table for many (it's extremely time-consuming and messy), you can absolutely bake some delicious desserts with olive oil. Some recs below.
Apple Crumble (sub butter with EVOO or do 50/50).
Olive Oil Cake (sub with winter fruit)
Olive Oil Brownies (yes, Christmas cookies are great, but brownies are brownies)
In case you need some support with the basics:
How to cook with olive oil (stop cooking on high heat)
How to bake with olive oil (more recipes here!)
We’re Writing A Book!
Giuseppe and I are over the moon to share this joyful news with you! This is a huge milestone and top three bucket list item for us both. I’ve wanted to write a book since I was a teenager. Giuseppe never thought he would write a book. Not for lack of talent or wanting, but he didn't think he'd ever have the chance. This book will be part of our legacy and shows great things can often come from very small places.
We reflect on the fact that this was not an opportunity accessible to us just two years ago. Your shares, purchases, and telling your friends/family about EXAU over the past 5 years (!!!) has helped us so much. While our publication date is a long way off you better believe we’re popping the prosecco and running laps through Le Castella! So from the bottom of our hearts, grazie mille.
Last-Minute Gifts
Maybe you…
…went onto our site and saw we’re sold out.
…decided to shop 100% small this year, but the supply chain is also ruining your life.
…are just learning EXAU is a small Italian-American olive oil brand cofounded by a Black woman (heyyyy)
…waited till the last minute for Christmas shopping (LOL, us too)
No judgment amici. We’re just here to help in the form of decadent, fragrant liquid gold (or green depending on the cultivar). You can still order EXAU olive oil online! In fact, you can gift some of the best dang oil out there this holiday season. Will product arrive in time for the big day? Nope, but neither will the gifts on the 100+ container ships sitting outside of the port of NY right now. All jokes aside, gift cards are also still 100% on the table! Purchase today and delivered immediately via email : )
*2021 pre-orders will ship early 2022. If you’re looking to dabble, go for the Trio, as it includes all three oils. Cost of shipping included!*
Where Can You Still Find EXAU?
*Last we checked oil was in stock at these locations. Call or drop by for a visit, you might find some other treasures! These are all small businesses. Most woman-owned.*
California
Palace Market
11300 CA-1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
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Massachusetts
Pastaio Via Corta
123 Main St, STE 1
Gloucester, MA 01930
*They also have holiday gift sets and incredible pasta. You can also order online.*
NYC
Big Night
154 Franklin St
Brooklyn, NY 11222
*You can also purchase a gift card for friends/family who are based in Brooklyn.*
Oregon
Provisions Market Hall
296 E 5th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
Tennessee
Radish Kitchen
Sylvan Supply Building G #10
4101 Charlotte Ave
Nashville, TN 37209
Holiday Break
We’re going to be Out Of Office (OOO) from Thursday, December 23, 2021, to Wednesday, January 5, 2022. If you need help with anything we’ll assist you when we’re 100% back online on Thursday, January 6, 2022.
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That’s it from us in 2021. Thank you so much for opening our newsletters, writing back, sending recipes, and continuing to purchase the oils we put our everything into. (If you’re celebrating) BUON NATALE! FELICE ANNO NUOVO! We'll see you in 2022.
-Skyler & Giuseppe
www.EXAUoliveoil.com
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