By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

MT LAUREL—Simply Infused, Mt Laurel’s new specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting room, started with a dream. The idea was sparked when Cheryl Harper and her daughter experienced an olive oil tasting at the Biltmore Estate in 2012.

“It just wowed us,” Harper said. “The whole trip home we talked about opening our own olive oil shop.”

More than two years later, that dream finally came true when the Olmstead Street storefront became available. Harper left her 25-year career in corporate America to open Simply Infused.

“My store is bringing the freshest olive oils available in the world right now,” Harper said. “I can tell you what country it’s from and when it was harvested. I know my groves, and I know the quality.”

Simply Infused carries more than 50 fresh olive oils and balsamics from as far as Italy, Spain, Peru and Tunisia, each infused or fused with a unique flavor.

“This one is Italy in a cup,” Harper said, motioning to a Tuscan herb infused olive oil.

She also carries a blueberry balsamic—perfect “over ice cream, a Vermont maple balsamic which can easily replace high-calorie syrups and a coconut white balsamic.

“You can put it in a cocktail or you can mix it into a cake,” Harper said.

Harper encourages creativity and visitors to the store may sample her wide selection of oils and balsamics. Harper is also always available to offer information and suggestions.

“What this business was founded on was slowing down and enjoying life,” Harper said, noting the shop’s theme is “infusing life with health and happiness.”

Not only are Harper’s goods full of flavor, they are also low in calories and full of health benefits.

“Of course, olive oil is good for your heart. Olive oil is also good for your skin because of that natural oil,” Harper said. “Balsamic is helping to keep that digestive tract balanced and it has those probiotics… Healthy can be tasty and healthy can be fun.”

Simply Infused is located in the heart of Mt Laurel, at 11 Olmstead Street. The shop is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.