Marchesi di San Giuliano Orange Slices in Syrup
We can't get enough of the warm, vibrant flavor of these orange slices in syrup, which our food editor, Matt Card, liken to deconstructed marmalade. To make them, organic blood oranges are hand-picked from the producer's own orchards, sliced finely with the rind still on, then briefly blanched to remove some of their bitterness and carefully layered in jars. The orange slices are covered with a reduction of orange juice, sugar and a touch of brandy—no pectin or artificial sweeteners—which contributes a vanilla-like roundness as well as sugary depth and richness. In addition to their rich flavor, we love the amazing texture of these orange slices, with a wonderful contrast between the silky pulp and surprisingly tender rind, which can be cut through with a fork.
Acetaia Leonardi Gold Medal Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP
The balsamic vinegar has an inky, almost syrupy consistency and is balanced between acidic and sweet, with a rich dried-fruit undertone. Quality this high is best enjoyed straight, drizzled over most any grilled or roasted meat, roasted vegetables, cheeses or garden-fresh tomatoes. Or try as a counterpoint to sweet berries or vanilla ice cream.
Il Colle Del Gusto Sicilian Pistachio Spread
Made from Sicilian pistachios and extra-virgin olive oil, Pistacchiosa is a creamy, aromatic spread you will want to put on all your desserts and, yes, eat straight out of the jar.
Aldo Armato Sun-Dried Tomatoes
The Armato family has been producing fine Italian products, from olive oil and condiments to preserved vegetables and pastas, at their mill in Liguria, Italy, for five generations. If you have these in your pantry, then you will have the finest tomatoes of Liguria all year-round. The Armato sun-dried tomatoes are juicy and sizeable, dried first to express their sweet and compelling flavor before they are bathed in buttery Ligurian olive oil. The tomatoes are picked at the peak of ripeness and preserved in golden extra virgin olive oil pulled from fruity Taggiasca olives. Chop or leave whole to use as a topping for focaccia, mixed into pasta, added to sandwiches, blended in pesto, turned into aioli, stirred into ricotta or incorporated into eggs and omelets. And don’t forget to use the oil they are packed in—infused with the sweet, mildly acidic and salty flavor of the tomatoes, it’s perfect for a vinaigrette or for dipping bread.
Aldo Armato Semi Sun-Dried Cherry Tomatoes in Oil
The Armato family has been producing fine Italian products, from olive oil and condiments to preserved vegetables and pastas, at their mill in Liguria, Italy, for five generations. And their Semi Sun-Dried Cherry Tomatoes are a revelation in sweet-tart flavor and satisfying texture. Harvested in Italy at the peak of summer, these cherry tomatoes are semi sun-dried. The process requires removing them from all heat before fully drying out, so each tomato can stay plump, supple and juicy—unlike the tougher, shriveled varieties in the grocery store. They are packed in the Armato family’s fruity, high-quality olive oil. Chop or leave whole to use as a topping for focaccia, mixed into pasta, added to sandwiches, blended in pesto, turned into aioli, stirred into ricotta or incorporated into eggs and omelets. And don’t forget to use the oil they are packed in—infused with the sweet, mildly acidic and salty flavor of the cherry tomatoes, it’s perfect for a vinaigrette or for dipping bread.