Two Ingredients

Sweet and Savory

High Country Olive Oil, in the historic Holley Building, sells fresh, cold-pressed olive oils from all over the world and aged balsamics from the Modena region of Italy. While focusing on only two ingredients may sound limited, with more than 40 unique oils and balsamics available the possibilities are vast.

Owners Craig Dougherty and Bob Thrift recently expanded and opened a shop at Le Pavilion in Augusta. The Aiken store also carries fine Belgium chocolate from Le Bonbonnière in Augusta.

Spinach and Pear Salad
This salad dressing is a unique combination of blood orange olive oil and cinnamon-pear balsamic vinegar.

1/2 cup of blood orange olive oil
1/4 cup of cinnamon pear balsamic
1  garlic clove, minced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 bag baby spinach,
   mixed leaf or Romaine
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1  D’Anju, Bosc or other pear,
     sliced or diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries or
     other dried fruit
1/4 cup bleu cheese, crumbled

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic, garlic, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl toss the spinach, red onion, pear, dried fruit and bleu cheese. Pour on desired amount of  dressing and toss. (Any leftover dressing may be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.)

Makes 4 salads.