|
What are Tapenades,
Pestos, and Caponatas?
Everybody loves Pestos and Tapenades
and at The Posh Gourmet, we have assembled one of the
finest collections available. From a purist point
of view, a pesto is herb-based; preferably basil, a tapenade is olive based and everything else is
a ‘hearty spread’.
However, times they are - a - changing and the distinctions between a
tapenade, pesto, spread, caponata, confit, confiture, and even some
condiments are now almost non existent. No matter what the current term
may be, these pesto and tapenade are incredible on pizza, as a condiment for panini or sandwiches,
as a base for salad dressings, or as a delicious topping for crackers
and crostini. Use your favorite pesto or tapenade to make
a tasty stuffing for mushrooms & celery, as unique fillings for tiny
puff pastry shells, or toppers for crisp, cool cucumber
slices. Serve a dab of tapenade or pesto on your favorite grilled meat or fish or toss with cooked
pasta. You are only limited by your imagination, when it comes to uses for
pestos and tapenades.
View our extensive selection
of Pestos, Tapenades, and Condiments
Pesto [PEH-stoh]
—
This
uncooked, herbal sauce comes from Genoa. Classic
method is to combine crushed or chopped fresh
basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Tapenade [TA-puh-nahd;
ta-pe-AHD]
—
This
tasty thick paste comes from Provence. The
‘classic’ ingredients are capers, anchovies,
ripe olives, olive oil lemon juice, and
seasonings. It is classified as a condiment.
Caponata [kap-oh-NAH-tah] —
This Sicilian side dish is made of eggplant, onions, tomatoes,
anchovies, olives, pine nuts, capers, vinegar, and olive oil.
Condiment [KON-duh-ment]
—
This
accompaniment to food can be salty, spicy, or
savory and may be in the form of a relish,
sauce, or mixtures of herbs and spices. Think
beyond ketchup and mustard!
Confit [kohn-FEE]
—
Traditionally, a confit is poultry that is
cooked and preserved in its own fat. Or it can
mean fruit or vegetables cooked and preserved in
brandy or other liquor. Recently, it is used
interchangeably with Confiture.
Confiture [kawn-fee-TYOOR]
—
A jam or preserve. It appears that many chefs now use Confit and Confiture
interchangeably, and more times than not, is is savory or savory-sweet.
Links to Products:
Pestos |
Tapenades | Mustards, Chutneys, Confits, & Conserves
View
Recipes and Suggested uses for Pestos, Tapenades,
and Condiments
|