On rare occasions, I run across a really incredible ingredient that transports me to a land far, far away where my troubles, stress and worries cease to exist. Thanks to my assortment of truly inspired infused olive oils and boldly flavored vinegars from 11 Olives that arrived today – and the subsequent tasting orgy that unfolded in my kitchen – I joyfully floated to a magical fantasy kingdom where rivers flowed with a heavenly mango balsamic, dragonflies rested on puffy sherbet-colored clouds of blood orange olive oil, and lacy yellow flowers glistened with oh-so-delicate and fragrant white lemon balsamic vinegar. Heaven on earth! It was so divine that I had to invite my neighbor friends to come over and share the joy of this amazing tasting. They laughed at my giddy excitement over the phone, but when Martha and her daughter Kelsey arrived, they were soon exclaiming “OH MY GOD!!” and “you have to try this one – it’s insane and I’ve never tasted anything like it!” while their eyes bulged and their mouths filled with the divine flavors of these amazing oils and vinegars. I had 14 in all to taste. I know, I know, I have absolutely no self control. But after talking with the owner and maker of the artisinal barrel-aged balsamics and infused olive oils, and hearing his passion for food and the beautiful flavors he’s concocted, I couldn’t help myself. My only regret is that I didn’t buy more flavors! (Check out their menu at http://www.11Olives.com. To purchase, contact the owner, Rick – he’s super cool and a very nice uber-foody – at info@11olives.com or call 206-290-4856.)
I can’t decide my favorite combos yet – California lime olive oil with pomegranate vinegar, or mango vinegar with chipotle oil are the current frontrunners – so I’m sure you’ll be seeing lots of cool recipes from me in the weeks to come! Kelsey came up with the first killer recipe, which I cheffed up tonight. It is delectable: sweet potato fries dressed with chipotle olive oil and fresh sage. The smoky chipotle flavor pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy tasty of sweet potatoes, the sage adds a unique and interesting depth and then there’s the slight kick of heat to finish it off. Oh my…when you try this, it may just sweep you away to that magical land of wondrous flavors and pure happiness. So don’t be surprised if you hear yourself saying: Take me away, chipotle-sage sweet potato fries!
Chipotle-Sage Sweet Potato Fries
Serves: 6
From fridge to table: 22 minutes
1 – 15 oz bag of frozen julienne cut sweet potato fries
15 large, fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
3 tbsp chipotle olive oil from 11 Olives
Heat oven to 425. Place fries in a large bowl and toss well with sage and oil. Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes (or until crispy and golden), tossing a couple of times while baking to ensure even browning and crisping. Serve plain – the flavor is so insanely good that you don’t need any dipping sauce at all. Enjoy!
Thanks for the inspiration, Kelsey, and also 11 Olives!
Operation Carnivore Conversion 
Nothing like homemade sweet potato fries! I cook everything with garlic though. Give it a try!
Yum, I usually just use cajun seasoning but I might have to try to find some chipotle olive oil – sounds great!! Thanks for sharing!
Deirdre
http://lauerland.wordpress.com/
Joe – I’m totally with you: homemade sweet potato fries are the best! I ran out of time last night (and I was kind of in a frenzy to make these chipotle-sage fries once inspiration struck), but next time I’m doing them from scratch. And I also agree with you about the garlic – I dipped the fries in a garlic-cilantro balsamic and they were aaaaaamazing!!!
Deirdre – thanks for the kind words! Yes, cajun seasoning on sweet potato fries are pretty delish, but I gotta say that I think they’re even better with the chipotle oil. If you give it a go, definitely get a high quality chipotle oil – I once bought an expensive but blah bottle of the stuff from our local gourmet grocery store and it did nothing for me at all…but the bottle I just got from 11 Olives totally knocked my socks off. It’s sooo flavorful!
There is no self control when it comes to olive oil and vinegars…did you not know that??!! LOL!!
Kitchen Inventions: I didn’t know that before, but I certainly know it now! 🙂