The Phoenix Southeast Valley has a rich history of family farms. Many of those farms now offer agritourism attractions and culinary bounty for locals and visitors alike. A local favorite that is worth the drive from the West Valley is Queen Creek Olive Mill.
Queen Creek Olive Mill (QueenCreekOliveMill.com) is Arizona’s only family-owned and operated working olive mill and farm. Be sure to book a tour in advance. This offers great insight into the Rea family that owns QCOM and the process for making olive oil. The Olive Oil 101 class is $7 per person.
After a tour and complimentary oil tasting, you can shop in the market for olive oils and balsamic vinegars. There are so many incredible flavors, from lemon and vanilla bean olive oil to fig and chocolate balsamic.
Olivespa at QCOM
Owner Brenda Rea is a mom of five kids and finding quality skin products was an issue. So, she started the Olivespa skincare products. These are all-natural skincare products made from the family olives.
Dining at QCOM
The Rae family wanted to honor their Tuscan roots, so opened de Piero as a Tuscan-inspired eatery. You can find tasty gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie trays, soups and flatbreads. Pick up a fresh-roasted espresso from Superstition Coffee and take your gourmet treats outdoors to enjoy them on picnic tables in the olive grove.
More Arizona Finds at QCOM
The market at QCOM likes to help out other Arizona farmers and makers, so you can find a variety of local Arizona food items. You can find fresh pasta and sauces to take home for dinner. Fill up on Glendale-based Cerreta Candy. Pick up local Arizona honey, hot sauces and salsa. You can also find a wide selection of Arizona wines.
Rae Family Olive Oil Cupcakes (pictured)
If you find yourself wondering how you might use lemon olive oil or chocolate balsamic vinegar, QCOM offers several pages of recipes online. There is a great pesto recipe, but this one for olive oil cupcakes is a customer favorite created by the owner.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup Olive Oil (Vanilla Bean, Lemon, Orange or Lime)
- 1 TBLS lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Optional: a few drops of food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F. Whisk together the eggs, olive oil, lemon juice and milk.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, flour, baking powder and baking soda with a whisk.
- Mis the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
- Pour into cupcake cups and bake 25 to 30 minutes, when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Beat the frosting ingredients together in a mixer until smooth and creamy and spread on cooled cupcakes.
Fresh Foodie Trail
It’s definitely worth the drive east to check out Queen Creek Olive Mill at 25062 S. Meridian Road in Queen Creek. It is part of the Fresh Foodie Trail (VisitMesa.com/fresh-foodie) that runs through Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek.
