Earlier in May, I visited San Francisco with my girlfriends and my sister. I used to live in San Francisco (1999 to 2001) so I loved seeing my old neighborhood, being in the city and meeting up with old friends. I absolutely adore San Francisco.
And we couldn’t go to San Francisco without going to wine country. . Napa Valley.
Our first stop was to Round Pond Estates. “Round Pond Estate, owned and operated today by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, is a Rutherford farm and winery that specializes in the creation of pure, expressive wines, artisan foods and unforgettable experiences—all from the heart of Napa Valley.” This was my first time visiting this winery and the visit was great. Round Pond is absolutely beautiful!
They have a lovely second story tasting lounge and a covered terrace offering panoramic views of the vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains. The view is breathtaking . . you’ll just have visit to see it for yourself!
What I loved about Round Pond was that they have an olive mill right across the street. . so, after our food and wine garden pairings, we purchased some wine and headed across the street for their Olive Mill Experience.
We learned about olive cultivation, harvest, and Round Pond’s artisan methods of olive oil production.
Then, we had a guided tasting of Round Pond’s fresh olive oils and red wine vinegar blends. The olive oil and vinegar blend tastings were so delicious! We sampled a small selection of garden inspired small bites using fresh organic produce and locally sourced meats and cheeses, all developed by Round Pond’s Estate chef. They even gave us the recipe cards for everything we tasted so we could re-create the fabulous recipes at home.
We tasted the following:
- Burrata Cheese with roasted asparagus, arugula pesto and crunchy quinoa
- Smoked Salmon Lollipop
- Roasted Yellow Beets with Blood Orange Oil and Sea Salt (SO GOOD!!)
- Baby Lettuces with Red Wine Vinaigrette
- Seasoned Pork Tenderloin with Herb Argo Dolce and Huckleberry Compote
- Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake
- Pomegranate Gelee
- Blood Orange Brownies
I love it when I try something unexpected and different and it’s delicious.
We ended the Olive Mill Experience with a Strawberry and Ginger Shrub Mocktail, with . . Blood Orange Olive Oil and Pomegranate Syrup. It was absolutely delicious!!
You guys, if you ever are in the Napa Valley, you need to stop in at Round Pond Estates and you have to do the Olive Mill Experience. . it’s amazing!! To get a more detailed look at their Mill Tasting, check out their feature from their blog, the Feed: “Three New Olive Mill Experiences“.
To say that these olive oils are delicious is an understatement. I love the different flavors and the Blood Orange Brownies left a lasting impression with me . . like these are the best brownies I have ever tasted.
And they were even better when I baked them at home.
So, I have to share the recipe with you today! And make sure you enter the giveaway below so you can try these olive oils, vinegars and syrups and make these brownies!
These brownies obviously use the Round Pond Blood Orange Olive Oil shown above and you can also drizzle with their Blood Orange Citrus Syrup on the brownies as well before serving. Amazing!!!
You can bet that I’m going to try this recipe with the Meyer Lemon Olive Oil next!
Enter the giveaway below. . you have to try these olive oils and syrups!!
Note: I doubled this recipe!!
Blood Orange Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 2 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
- 3 tablespoons Round Pond Blood Orange Olive Oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 oz Round Pond Estate Blood Orange Citrus Syrup optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick baking spray if desired.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in a medium pan over very low heat. Stir together and remove from heat. Let cool for a minute or two. Add the Blood Orange Olive Oil, sugar and vanilla, mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating into the mixture rapidly to avoid cooking the eggs. Stir in the salt, cocoa and flour.
- Spread the brownie mixture into your prepared baking pan and bake until set, for about 35 to 40 minutes. Cool before cutting with a sharp knife and drizzle with Blood Orange Citrus Syrup before serving if desired.
Recipe from Round Pond Estates. Shared here with permission.
The Giveaway!!
(Giveaway open to residents within the United States only)
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. The giveaway alone is sponsored by Round Pond Estates. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
Auntiepatch says
June 1, 2015 at 12:08 amI would like to try the Blood Orange Olive Oil. I didn’t know anyone made olive oil flavored with anything much less Blood Oranges!
Margot C says
June 1, 2015 at 12:42 amOh gosh, how marvelous. I would start with the MEYER LEMON OLIVE OIL, maybe just drizzled on a white goat cheese pizza with some salmon and arugula on top.
Grace says
June 1, 2015 at 1:13 amRound Pond was awesome. The staff were delightful, and the wine and food were amazing!
christina says
June 1, 2015 at 1:14 amthe basil olive oil looks amazing!!
Kristen says
June 1, 2015 at 2:18 amI’d like to try the Meyer Lemon Syrup.
Mir says
June 1, 2015 at 5:12 amAlice, I’m beyond jealous here. Napa is on my travel bucket list, and since having children, all of that has been hard to achieve. I really want to go even more now!
These olive oils look ridiculously amazing. That Meyer Lemon one…wow. And your brownies are fantastic. My mom loves putting orange juice in her brownies, but this way is much better!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
June 1, 2015 at 6:16 amI would love to go to Napa. It is on my bucket list.
What a fantastic twist on brownies too. I LOVE blood oranges.
Allie | Baking a Moment says
June 1, 2015 at 6:27 amWhat an amazing trip and what amazing brownies! I love orange and chocolate together so I’m sure these would be right up my alley. 🙂
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
June 1, 2015 at 7:21 amBasil Olive Oil is my favorite. I’d love to try theirs!
Kelly says
June 1, 2015 at 7:24 amYour trip looked like so much fun! Such a wonderful experience 🙂 We visited SF and Napa a few years ago and definitely want to go back again and will have to visit Round Pond Estates. Love these gorgeous brownies! The orange and chocolate sound incredible!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
June 1, 2015 at 7:28 amI’ve never been to Napa Valley before, though it’s on my list of places to visit! I love these blood orange brownies, Alice! So creative! I don’t think I’ve ever had a brownie quite like this. Sounds amazing!
David @ Spiced says
June 1, 2015 at 7:48 amI have always wanted to make my way out to Napa! And now I know to schedule a stop at Round Pond when we go. I think I’d want to sample the Spanish Varietal Olive Oil first…followed by more olive oil and wine, of course! These brownies look delicious…maybe they can be my snack on the plane out to Napa. 🙂
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
June 1, 2015 at 7:49 amWhat an awesome trip you had! Looks like so much fun. 🙂 And these brownies! Um, I’m obsessing over how ultra-fudgy they look and I just love the sound of blood orange flavor in them! Need theeeeese!
Jennie says
June 1, 2015 at 7:54 amI would love to try the ROSEMARY OLIVE OIL.
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
June 1, 2015 at 7:54 amNapa Valley has been on our bucket list for sometime now!! So glad that you had a great time with your mom & sister! I tell you it’s the best company you can ask for! These brownies look to die for!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 8:03 amThose syrups look insane. Such incredible flavors. Also I cannot wait to go to Napa and try all the spots you checked out! You are now the guru. And these brownies are sensational boo!
Johlene@FlavoursandFrosting says
June 1, 2015 at 8:07 amOne of my dreams is to go to Napa Valley! I just love these photos! These orange and chocolate brownies sound delicious, I absolutely adore the combo!
Michelle says
June 1, 2015 at 8:13 amI would love to try these with the blood orange olive oil! 🙂
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
June 1, 2015 at 8:23 amWhat a dreamy trip! I LOVE the idea of orange olive oil, so chocolate paired in there with it seems perfect : )
Nutmeg Nanny says
June 1, 2015 at 8:37 amThese brownies look so good and I love the hint of blood orange. While I would love to try all their products I’m going a little crazy over that meyer lemon syrup…yum!
Danielle Newton says
June 1, 2015 at 8:45 amWhat a unique product. I can think of a dozen things I could do with this. Would love to explore!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
June 1, 2015 at 9:15 amWhat an amazing trip! And these brownies have me salivating. Blood orange olive oil? That’s a foodie’s dream right there 🙂
CakeSpy says
June 1, 2015 at 9:27 amSounds fascinating – and so dignified for wine pairing!! Although when I saw “blood” in the title I thought “vampiiiiiirrrrres”! 😉
Alison H. says
June 1, 2015 at 9:37 amI would like to try the Rosemary Olive Oil!
Kathleen | HapaNomNom says
June 1, 2015 at 11:32 amFirst of all… blood orange brownies – amazing flavor combinations! I would eat an entire tray!
Secondly…. my husband and I were out in SF earlier in May house hunting for our move later this month. After an exhausting and frustrating house hunting trip, we escaped to Napa for an afternoon to relax. SO bookmarking this post so we can check out this winery when we move out there! Thanks for the great post. And if you’re ever back out in SF, let me know! 🙂
Marsha A. says
June 1, 2015 at 12:07 pmI would like to try the meyer lemon olive oil
Zainab says
June 1, 2015 at 12:11 pmOh my gosh I need those olive oils!! Like desperately. Love all the glavors and how you can use them to get your blood orange or Meyer lemon kick all year round. These brownies look amazing!!
Harriet Emily says
June 1, 2015 at 12:43 pmThese brownies look amazing!! Orange has to be my favourite pairing with chocolate, I love it so much! The blood orange oil and syrup you used sound incredible! I definitely need to try them! Can’t wait to make these delicious creations 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
June 1, 2015 at 12:52 pmLooks like a lot of fun and I am obsessed with these citrusy brownies! 🙂
Sean says
June 1, 2015 at 1:49 pmThese brownies king me drool! I’d love to try their 2014 Meyer Lemon Olive Oil 370ML. Love anything citrus/zesty flavored.
Alina says
June 1, 2015 at 2:05 pmBoth the trip and brownies – FABULOUS! I’d love to try their SANGIOVESE-NEBBIOLO BLEND.
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
June 1, 2015 at 2:21 pmSO jealous — that looks amazing! I’m LOVING this chocolate and orange combo!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
June 1, 2015 at 2:41 pmOh my gosh these brownies are awesome. And I just love all those pretty bottles. Gorgeous. I have a total Meyer Lemon obsession so that would be the flavor I’d try first!
Rosie says
June 1, 2015 at 3:32 pmI would love to try 2014 BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL 370ML! I have tried this once and it was unforgettable, I want to experience it again!
Starla B says
June 1, 2015 at 4:41 pmThose look and sounds absolutely delicious. Blood oranges are actually my favorite fruit! It sucks that they are seasonal! I would definitely have to try the Blood Orange Syrup! I have never heard of a syrup like this!
Sandy Headtke says
June 1, 2015 at 4:55 pmThe Meyer Lemon Syrup would be the first choice
Jen says
June 1, 2015 at 5:04 pmSounds like an amazing trip! And these brownies are fabulous! Orange and chocolate is such a great combination!
Denise M says
June 1, 2015 at 5:19 pmthose look delicious. I would love to try the Meyer Lemon olive oil or the garlic infused
Blessie Nelson says
June 1, 2015 at 5:50 pmI would like to try the garlic infused olive oil.
Michelle M says
June 1, 2015 at 6:05 pmI think everything :). But I would go with the blood orange syrup and olive oil so I can make these delicious brownies.
Jen says
June 1, 2015 at 8:01 pmI’d love to try the meyer lemon syrup!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
June 1, 2015 at 8:05 pmI would go for any of the wines or olive oils. What a fun trip you had. I am loving the look of those brownies!!
Anne says
June 1, 2015 at 8:08 pmI’ve been wanting to try a citrus olive oil, and your brownies are one of the reasons! But I’d love to try Round Pond Estate’s Rosemary Infused Olive Oil. I adore the flavor of rosemary but don’t always like the texture, and this would be a perfect solution.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
June 1, 2015 at 8:21 pmThese brownies, oh my gosh. They look fantastic! I want to try the blood orange oil!
Erin Ellis says
June 1, 2015 at 8:25 pmI would love to try the Round Pond Blood Orange Olive Oil. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
Rachel M. says
June 1, 2015 at 8:34 pmI want to try the Pomegranate syrup!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
June 1, 2015 at 9:38 pmWhat a fun trip! I love the orange olive oil in these brownies!
mira says
June 1, 2015 at 9:57 pmLove these fancy oils Alice! And your blood orange brownies look fantastic! Pinned!
Felice Geoghegan says
June 1, 2015 at 10:32 pmThey all look amazing but I would love to try the Meyer Lemon Olive Oil.
Susan says
June 1, 2015 at 11:19 pmThis looks fantastic! Need to try the blood orange oil!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
June 1, 2015 at 11:21 pmYou are making me think I need to get to Napa Valley ASAP! I absolutely love the idea of blood orange in these brownies!
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
June 2, 2015 at 1:15 amYummm! I love how you do a twist on this brownies recipe. Gotta love this and can’t wait to visit Round Pond Estates since they’re not too far away.
Maria | Pink Patisserie says
June 2, 2015 at 8:13 amWhat a gorgeous place and those brownies! Oh my goodness! I’m so intrigued! I bet they taste amazing. I’ll have to remember to visit Round Pond when I make my trip to Napa.
TaraO says
June 2, 2015 at 10:55 amI’m obsessed with Meyer lemons, so I’m loving the meyer lemon syrup!
Amy @Very Culinary says
June 2, 2015 at 11:18 amOh my goodness, their packaging is gorgeous! As for your brownies? Well, those are gorgeous, too. And BRILLIANT.
Paulette Melanson says
June 2, 2015 at 12:14 pmSo looking forward to trying these recipes. So many great ideas … Must start now!
Janelle K. says
June 2, 2015 at 2:58 pmThese look awesome! I would love to try the basil oil!
Kelsey @ Badger Kitchen says
June 2, 2015 at 3:10 pmThe Spanish Varietal Olive Oil to bring back memories of my time studying abroad in Spain. Also, let’s talk about how beautiful their packaging is. Those bottle would make cute little vases.
Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire says
June 2, 2015 at 7:52 pmWhoa, Alice, my mind is blown by that olive oil tasting experience. Blood orange olive oil? Seriously? I need to get my hands on that asap! These brownies look and sound too good to not try it with this oil. Yum. Literally. Dying.
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
June 2, 2015 at 7:54 pmWhat fun! And I’ve used lemon olive oil for poundcake for years, but never thought of using a citrus olive oil in brownies – brilliant!!!
Kelly D says
June 2, 2015 at 8:36 pmI would like to try the Pomegranate syrup.
marcie says
June 2, 2015 at 9:53 pmThose olive oils and syrups sound amazing, and these brownies must be incredible with blood orange flavor! Pinned. 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
June 3, 2015 at 12:35 amThose brownies look so rich and fudgy, chocolate perfection!
Elizabeth G. says
June 3, 2015 at 3:41 amI would love to try the Basil Infused Olive Oil!
Megan - The Emotional Baker says
June 3, 2015 at 5:30 amI love SF, but I think I may love these brownies more 😉 I have a similar olive oil that’s been resting in my pantry unused – I’ll have to give it a try in this awesome treat!
Lynda Del says
June 3, 2015 at 11:28 amI would love to try the Basil Infused Olive oil!
Carrie M. says
June 3, 2015 at 12:33 pmThe citrus olive oils.
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes.com says
June 3, 2015 at 12:54 pmHi Alice! These brownies looks absolutely perfect! Adding blood orange olive oil to them sounds intriguing and delicious! mmhmm!
Annette says
June 3, 2015 at 6:53 pmI love using flavored olive oils, but was unfamiliar with this brand. I would like to try their LEMON PEPPER INFUSED to cook fish.
Madeline says
June 3, 2015 at 9:46 pmI’d love to try the Pomegranate syrup and the Meyer Lemon Olive oil!
Kelster says
June 3, 2015 at 11:01 pmI’d love to try that pomegranate syrup! And a pan of these brownies.
Crystal Mexico says
June 3, 2015 at 11:46 pmI’d love to try Blood Orange Citrus Syrup!
Brenda Haines says
June 4, 2015 at 5:39 pmIt all looks amazing, but I would start with the Round Pond Blood Orange Olive Oil. Thanks for the chance!
Sneha says
June 4, 2015 at 8:51 pmHey..What a dreamy trip! I LOVE the idea of orange olive oil, so chocolate paired in there with it seems perfect : )One of my dreams is to go to Napa Valley! I just love these photos! These orange and chocolate brownies sound delicious, I absolutely adore the combo…. 🙂
DJohnson says
June 5, 2015 at 11:34 amI would love to try the Garlic Infused Olive Oil.
courtney b says
June 5, 2015 at 4:55 pmI think I would go with the Sangiovese-Nebbiolo Blend oil.
I love the packaging! sooo gorgeous. would look great in my kitchen.
HONEY BEAR says
June 6, 2015 at 5:48 amI WOULD LOVE TO TRY THEIR POMEGRANATE SYRUP.
ellen casper says
June 6, 2015 at 3:39 pmI would like to try the Rosemary Olive Oil.
CJ Pillow says
June 6, 2015 at 8:43 pmI would like to try the blood orange olive oil.
Melissa says
June 7, 2015 at 12:17 amI’m a sucker for all things lemon, so I’d love to try the Meyer Lemon Citrus Syrup.
Priya says
June 7, 2015 at 6:25 pmI’d love to try that blood orange oil, sounds so unique!
Jolena @TheRubyKitchen says
June 10, 2015 at 6:10 amWhat a lovely trip! I love seeing travels. These brownies sound lovely!
Ben Maclain@havocinthekitchen says
June 16, 2015 at 12:22 pmBlood orange brownies?! That even sounds fabulous (the way they taste must be even better!) And thanks for introducing this products – I’ve got to find now blood orange syrup!
Jodi says
July 14, 2015 at 6:43 pmMy husband and I are planning a trip to San Francisco and Napa. I can’t wait to go. I would love the blood orange olive oil.
Jodi says
July 14, 2015 at 6:48 pmI accidentally entered before I was done replying. I can’t wait to order some on Friday 🙂
hipfoodiemom says
July 14, 2015 at 6:59 pmHi Jodi, the giveaway is over but I hope you make it out to Round Pond Estates when you are in Napa Valley. . you will love it!