Tis' the season of holiday tradition. It's a season filled with endless reason to get together with friends and family. And, most often these celebrations tend to include a wide array of tantalizing foods in which to indulge -
But where would the holidays be without the guilty pleasure and countless stream of tempting
This month, "
In Season" celebrates
desserts made with extra virgin olive oil. At first it may sound strange to use olive oil in a traditional dessert you've enjoyed for years, but it is actually easier than you think. (
For butter-to-olive oil conversion suggestions from top chefs and cookbook authors, click here.) By replacing butter and other fats with extra virgin olive oil, not only will the taste and texture delight, it'll make those tempting treats just a tad bit healthier for you.
Using olive oil in your holiday baking won't give you carte blanche permission to eat two dozen
Olive Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies or an entire
Chocolate Ripple Pound Cake. But it will surely offer you peace of mind that you are taking a step in a healthier direction.
Just like pairing wine with foods, you can similarly explore the many different varietals of extra virgin olive oils and how they each pair with different dessert recipes. First consider the type of dessert you'd like to prepare -
either baking a cake or preparing a dense, rich chocolate sensation - you may choose from a delicate, fruity varietal to a robust, flavorful burst of fresh extra virgin olive oil. (
Don't miss our Food Pairing blogs!)
To this point,
chocolate may be complimented by using a light drizzle of a robust extra virgin olive oil, such as our
Olio Nuovo, along with a sprinkle of sea salt. Recipes that include nuts, such as
Harvest Biscotti with Walnuts and Pears, may be enhanced by using our
Arbosana, with nutty tasting notes and a medium pungency. Baking a cake may require a smooth, clean taste with a balanced pungency, such as an
Arbequina. Of course, what holiday dinner isn't complete without a seasonally delicious slice of pie? Try our
Everyday California Fresh EVOO for
Pecan Pie, recipe courtesy of our friends at
Viking Range Corporation and chef instructor
Elaine Trigiani. Or try a fresh
Pumpkin's Pie, from "
Olive Oil Desserts" cookbook author
Micki Sannar. Both are sure to amaze and delight!
So whatever delectable dessert you create this holiday season, there is an extra virgin olive oil that will compliment and enhance in flavor, in texture, and in taste. The health benefits of using EVOO will be the large dollop of whipped cream on top! So enjoy in good health!