I've seen many recipes, especially around the holidays, for infused olive oils. I really want to be able to make some of these as gifts, as well as, for myself. I just don't know how they are used. Can anyone give any suggestions and if using for dressings, please give the infused oil recipe and salad dressing recipe it's used in?
Many thanks.
By Jessica
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They can be used as dipping oil for crusty breads with an italian meal, as a cooking or basting oil, or in a salad dressing.
Personally, I wouldn't mess with making 'Homemade' herb or spice infused oils. You simply can't process/preserve them properly like manufacturers of infused oils can. Not only do homemade infused oils become rancid quickly they can also easily become tainted with botulism. I don't think the recipients of your well meant gift would appreciate possibly receiving a life threatening disease.
Might I suggest making homemade pesto sauce, which can be frozen for months before use, instead? If you're interested I would be happy to share a couple of really good recipes for it.
I am wondering if you can keep the herb infused oil in the refrigerator, that would be safer to keep it from having botulism contaminant.
Hi Marcia S, the problem of tainting can be caused because of improper bottle sterilization and also because the herbs must steep in the oil outside of the refrigerator for at least a week before straining and refrigerating. Even then the strainer might not be sterile enough.
In my humble opinion the risk just isn't worth it :-(
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