Olivita peppery, organic

Wed., March 14, 2007

Renee Enna Chicago Tribune

The rich, fruity flavor of Olivita estate-bottled extra-virgin olive oil, from olives grown at the Pietra Santa winery in California’s Cienega Valley, pleased tasters – and we loved the pleasant peppery finish.

It’s certified organic, too.

Use it as a dipping oil or to dress vegetables and pastas. A 700-milliliter bottle is $32 by mail (pietrasantawinery.com or 831-636-1991).

100-Calorie Madness

OK, few of the 100-calorie snacks are health food, but at least they help you manage junk-food intake. Among the newer offerings we really liked: Keebler’s Right Bites Fudge Shoppe Grasshopper cookies, Chex 100-Calorie chocolate caramel and Cheddar varieties, and Hostess 100 Calorie Packs mini cakes (yellow, carrot and chocolate). A box of six packets is $3 to $4.

Clowning Around

Wilton’s Silly-Feet silicone cupcake holders do most of the decorating work for you. The brightly colored, 2-inch wide holders are oven-safe to 500 degrees. Pour the batter directly in or use cupcake liners. A package of four is $10 at Michael’s craft stores and online at wilton.com/store.

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Olivita peppery, organic

100-Calorie Madness

Clowning Around

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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