I love olive oil. Yes, I do. I use so much of it that I’ve contemplated buying it by the case. Really! So when The Virtual Potluck was contacted by Bertolli recently to do a summer grilling promotion for Let’s Cook Summer Sweepstakes….I hopped on pronto! Did I mention that Bravo TV’s Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani has partnered with Bertolli as their brand ambassador? Sounds like a winning combo to me.
Fabio – if you’re reading this and you know how to sing…I’m making a request – La Luce Buona Delle Stelle. My first roommate went to Italy, fell in love with an Italian boy who couldn’t speak English, but sang her that song. She brought back a tape (ya it was a while ago) and played it nonstop! After the 6,395th time, I started to like it.
A lot.
If you asked me which cuisine I could not live without, it would be Italian food for the win. I love it. The pasta, the fresh herbs – it just rocks my world. Did I mention I love olive oil? Oh yes, nevermind. How about a few quick facts about olive oil before we make some luscious grilled chops?
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
- Olive oil is naturally healthy and cholesterol free and is the most highly monounsaturated oil at 77%.
- Monounsaturated fats help lower LDL (low-density lipoproteins), the “bad” cholesterol.
- Monounsaturated fats are also thought to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, decrease the risk of breast cancer, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce belly fat.
- According to the Food and Drug Administration, consuming about 2 tablespoons of oil in a day may reduce your risk of heart disease. Source: http://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/2004/ucm108368.htm
- Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains significant amounts of polyphenols, pro-vitamin A and vitamin E, which are all antioxidants.
- Bertolli Olive Oil contains natural anti-inflammatory properties (oleocanthal), which may reduce risk of age-related diseases as well as benefit the skin when applied topically (let’s all go do olive oil facials!!)
Sounds good to me!! Healthy, can be used as a topical skin treatment, tastes phenomenal, reduces belly fat. Now I’m convinced I need to buy it in cases. How about you?
First….let’s eat it. On some wicked good chops. Sound good?
Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Parmesan Salad
This recipe was adapted from Chef Fabio Viviani’s recipe for Roasted Pork with Apple Parmesan Salad.
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Ingredients
6 pork chops, bone in
2 sprigs fresh Italian parsley, leaves chopped
2 sprigs fresh sage, leaves chopped
3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons Bertolli Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil
salt and black pepper
3 lemons, halved, divided
4 cups microgreens or baby spring mix
2 Red Delicious apples, cored, sliced thin
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Heat the barbecue or a grill pan over medium high heat. Lay the chops out on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped herbs, garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix well and divide among the 6 chops on both sides. Squeeze 4 of the lemons halves over the chops and add to the grill. Place the lemons cut side down on the grill and using tongs, squeeze some of the juice over the chops while grilling. Grill pork chops to your preferred doneness.
- Meanwhile add the microgreens, apple and Parmesan to a large bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 2 lemon halves, olive oil and balsamic to your tastes and season with salt and pepper. Once chops are done, plate and top with some of the salad and serve.
Makes 6 Servings
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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Bertolli. I was provided a bottle of olive oil, a set of grilling utensils and a monetary compensation to write this post. I was not asked for a positive review, only to use the product and write truthfully about my experience with it. All opinions are my own.
