Baking Brilliance: Olive Oil Cakes & More
Here's a blog post draft for Angelica's Organic Olive Oil:
Beyond the Salad Bowl: 5 Surprising Ways to Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil
As the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, we find ourselves spending more time in the heart of our homes – the kitchen. For us, it's always been a place of warmth, laughter, and shared meals, a tradition lovingly passed down through generations. And at the center of it all, always, has been a bottle of our precious extra virgin olive oil.
Grandma Angelica always said, "Food was love, and olive oil was its soul." She truly believed that. For her, it wasn’t just an ingredient; it was an essence, a way to infuse every dish (and even some not-dishes!) with love and care. While a vibrant green salad drizzled with our Arbequina oil is a classic, and one we adore, we wanted to share some other unexpected – and equally delightful – ways to incorporate this liquid gold into your winter routine. So, put on a kettle of tea, settle in, and let's explore.
Baking Brilliance: Olive Oil Cakes & More
Forget what you think you know about baking. Olive oil isn't just a substitute; it can be the star. It adds a richness and subtle fruity complexity to baked goods that butter simply can't match. We especially love using our olive oil in cakes and muffins. The result is a moist, tender crumb with a delicate, almost grassy aroma.
Consider trying an olive oil cake with citrus zest – the bright tanginess of the lemon or orange complements the oil beautifully. Or experiment with adding a swirl of olive oil to your favorite cornbread recipe for a richer, more nuanced flavor. The subtle bitterness of the oil balances the sweetness of the cornmeal perfectly.
Pro-Tip: When baking with olive oil, use a 1:1 substitution for butter or other oils. Opt for recipes that call for liquid oil rather than shortening for best results. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different olive oils! Some are bolder than others, which will impart unique flavors.
Sweet Sensations: A Drizzle on Dessert
Okay, this one might sound a little out there, but trust us on this. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on vanilla ice cream or dark chocolate is a revelation. The slightly peppery notes of the oil, coupled with its smooth texture, create a fascinating contrast against the sweetness.
Think of it like adding a pinch of sea salt to caramel – it elevates the experience to a whole new level. Try it with a scoop of gelato, a dark chocolate brownie, or even a simple bowl of fresh berries. The fruity aromas of our Arbequina oil particularly shine when paired with sweeter elements.
Pro-Tip: Start with a small amount! A little goes a long way. Look for an olive oil with a robust flavor profile to cut through the sweetness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt alongside the olive oil elevates this experience even more.
Skin Soother: A Natural Moisturizer
Grandma Angelica had a secret for keeping her skin supple, even in the dry California summers: olive oil! Long before fancy serums and creams, she relied on the simple, pure goodness of olive oil to nourish and hydrate her skin.
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making it a wonderful natural moisturizer. While we certainly don't recommend replacing your entire skincare routine, applying a thin layer of olive oil to your face or body after showering can help lock in moisture, especially during these colder, drier months. It can also be used as a gentle makeup remover or cuticle oil.
Pro-Tip: Less is more! Apply a very thin layer and massage it into your skin until it's absorbed. If you have oily skin, use it sparingly or as a spot treatment on dry patches. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it all over.
Bread's Best Friend: The Perfect Dip
A simple, yet incredibly satisfying pleasure: dipping crusty bread into fragrant olive oil. This is one of our favorite ways to enjoy our harvest, shared around the table with family and friends.
Elevate your dipping experience by adding a few simple ingredients to your olive oil: a pinch of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, minced garlic, dried herbs (like rosemary or oregano), and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend. We love adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of warmth during these chilly evenings.
Pro-Tip: Use high-quality bread! The better the bread, the better the dipping experience. Warm the bread slightly to enhance its flavors. Offer a variety of dips to cater to different preferences.
Marinade Magic: Flavor Infusion
Olive oil is a fantastic base for marinades, helping to tenderize meats and infuse them with flavor. Its fat content helps to carry the flavors of herbs, spices, and acids deep into the food, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent dish.
Create a simple marinade by combining olive oil with lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. Use it to marinate chicken, fish, pork, or even vegetables. Let your ingredients soak up all the love before cooking, and you'll be surprised at the burst of flavor you experience.
Pro-Tip: Don't marinate for too long! For delicate items like fish, 30 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient. For tougher cuts of meat, you can marinate for several hours or even overnight. Store your marinade in the refrigerator and discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat.
We hope these ideas inspire you to explore the versatility of extra virgin olive oil beyond the usual salad. Remember, food is about connection, creativity, and sharing love. So, gather your loved ones, get creative in the kitchen, and let the aroma of good food fill your home this winter.
Warmly,
The Angelica's Organic Olive Oil Family