Inspired by a visit to an olive oil store in Wisconsin, Shelley Lidstone and her daughter Jennifer Bruns drafted a business plan. In November 2013, they opened Olives and Sprigs, a taste-before-you-buy store in Wayzata that offers more than 42 varieties of olive oils from Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy, balsamic vinegars from Italy, as well as sea salts, soaps and scrubs. The oils and vinegars are sold in 100, 250 and 500 ml sizes and are packaged in Miron violet glass.
“We’re the only store in the Twin Cities that offers the Miron bottles,” Bruns says. “The violet glass prevents UV rays from getting in. You can leave the bottle on the counter, and the sunlight won’t damage the oil.”
All products are either fused or infused—no artificial flavoring. From the garlic and chili- infused olive oil to the pecan praline balsamic vinegar, the wide variety of flavors is impressive.
Promenade Mall. 850 Mill St. E.
Wayzata
952.476.7332
olivesandsprigs.com
FRESH CORN SALAD
Ingredients:
½ cup Olives & Sprigs Jalapeño Lime Balsamic Vinegar
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. black pepper
4 ears fresh corn, cooked
½ cup finely diced red onion
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup orange pepper, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely torn
1 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves, pulled apart
1 Tbsp. fresh jalapeño, seeds removed, diced
½ tsp. sea salt
1-2 cups small arugula leaves
Directions:
1. For dressing: In a glass bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, sugar, 1 teaspoon sea salt and black pepper. Let stand while preparing salad.
2. For salad: Cut corn kernels from cobs. In a large bowl, toss corn and remaining ingredients except the sea salt and arugula leaves.
3. To serve, transfer salad to large serving bowl. Season with the ½ teaspoon sea salt. Add the dressing and gently thread in arugula leaves. Serve immediately.
Makes 8 servings
Our favorite olive oils are:
Bacon Infused (100ML - $8.50; 250ML - $14; 500ML - $25)
Rhubarb (100ML - $8.50; 250ML - $14; 500ML - $25)
Rosemary Lavender (100ML - $9.00; 250ML - $15; 500ML - $28)
White Truffle (100ML - $11; 250ML - $21; 500ML - $40)
Our favorite balsamic vinegars are:
Blueberry
Coconut White
Cucumber Melon
Jalapeño Lime
All balsamic vinegars are priced as follows: 100ML - $8.50; 250ML - $14; 500ML - $25
