If it’s a Pizookie, you are family!

A Pizookie is not just your average, ordinary, everyday dessert, it is an experience.

The first time I heard about the Pizookie (pronounced pa zoo key), was from my dear friend Tiffany. She talked about it as if was some kind of forbidden love affair

I felt so honored when, one day she brought me a batch of her famous Pizookie cookie dough. And, Ohhh,  let me tell you sista (or brotha), It was beyond delicious.

I have since learned that a Pizookie can be just about any cookie dough, spread over nearly an entire surface, forming a large, beautiful circle (don’t laugh, to me cookie dough is beautiful). Feel free to use whatever baking surface you can get your hands on. Perhaps a pizza stone, baking pan, cookie sheet, pie tin, or even tin foil (if you must). Once baked, it is served piping hot with vanilla ice cream on top. No scooping into individual portions, it is what it is…One big cookie, and as many spoons as there are people.

Now keep in mind that, a Pizookie is not meant to be enjoyed alone. Sharing your freshly baked Pizookie is a special experience. Trust me, it tastes best when it’s shared with those you love (or want to love). You may be tempted to eat the whole darn thing by yourself, and…. you may even have the ability to do so. However, sharing your Pizookie is essential in order to complete the fun, family & friendship experience that comes with your monster of a cookie.

Life , love, &  friendship does not get any sweeter than this!

Bon Appetite

Micki’s Healthier, Yummy, & Fun Pizookie

This dessert recipe is made using heart happy olive oil in the place of butter. Whole wheat pastry flour and oats replace the white flour usually found in a treat like this…Although made healthy, I believe you will agree that this Pizookie is as delicious as it is fun to eat!

Besides, who says healthy food has to taste like healthy food?

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour  or whole wheat pastry flour

1 cup quick oats

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2/3 cup pure or mild flavored EVOO

¼ cup sugar

1 ¼ cups brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet  or dark chocolate chips

Low- fat vanilla bean ice cream (optional- but not for me)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray your choice of baking pan with olive oil or olive oil cooking spray.

Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

In mixer bowl, add the sugar and brown sugar. Mix medium speed until smooth and well blended.

Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix again on medium speed until well blended.

Add flour mixture to moist mixture and blend until thoroughly combined. Fold n the chocolate chips

Place all of the cookie dough right smack dab in the center of you baking pan.. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Top that piping hot Pizookie with ice cream and start enjoying!!!

Mini Whole Grain, Lemon Olive Oil Cakes with Lemon Basil Syrup

 

Mini Lemon Cakes with Basil Lemon Syrup

Headed Into The Dessert Months

As we head into the dessert months, I am excited to share new recipes with you.  And as always, I am busy converting recipes from  delicious originals  into a fantastic healthier versions.

Why eat unhealthy desserts when healthier versions taste fantastic and are better for you.

Today’s recipe is a favorite of my friend, Chef Bryan Woolley. I converted his recipe with him on Chef’s Stage at the Utah Home and Garden Show last weekend! I really have a great time cooking with Bryan, and he really enjoyed the taste of a healthy version of one of his signature recipes.

Remember, when someone tells you that desserts can not be made with olive oil, or whole grains, you just make this little yummy for them, and KNOCK THEIR SOCKS OFF!!!

Mini Lemon Cakes with Lemon Basil SyrupCake Ingredients

1/3 cup pure or Meyer Lemon extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 Tbsp

¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour. plus additional for dusting

2/3 cup plus ¼ cup sugar

¼ tsp salt

3 large eggs, separated, at room temperature for 30 minutes

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

 

 For Syrup

1 ¼ cups sugar

1 ½ cups water

1 strip fresh lemon zest

½ cup fresh lemon juice

8 large fresh basil sprigs

To make cakes:

Put oven rack in middle position in a preheated  350°F oven. Generously brush 8 muffin cups with olive oi. Dust cups with cake flour, knocking out excess. Spray entire pan with olive oil cooking spray.

Beat together olive oil, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, then add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating until well blended. Beat in lemon juice and 2 teaspoons zest until combined. Add flour and mix at low speed until just combined. 

In a separate mixer bowel, beat egg  whites with remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in another bowl with cleaned beaters until they hold soft peaks. Add 2 tablespoons sugar, a little at a time, beating, then beat until whites just hold stiff peaks. Stir 1/4 of whites into yolk mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.

Adding 1/4 of the egg whites will lighten the batter just a bit.

 Spoon batter into 8 prepared muffin cups. Blend remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon zest with your fingertips and sprinkle over batter, then bake until cakes are puffed, edges are golden, and a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool cakes in pan on a rack 15 minutes, then lift out cakes carefully (tops will break easily) and cool completely on rack.

Make sure to oil and flour the pan really well, these babies stick like no other.

To make syrup:

Bring all syrup ingredients to a boil, covered, in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, then remove lid and boil 10 minutes. Pour syrup through a sieve into a bowl, pressing on and then discarding solids. Cool to room temperature. 

Use a Very Fine Strainer

 To assemble dessert:

Drizzle about a tablespoon of the syrup on a plate. Place mini cake in the center. Dust with Powder sugar, a dallop of light vanilla bean ice cream (optional), and a sprig of fresh basil.

Just another tip when photographing your masterpiece, make sure your nice camera is charged, so that you do not have to use your cookpix!!!

You can fin my cookbook, Olive Oil Desserts at Fine Booksellers everywhere

 or visit www.oliveoildesserts.com to learn more!!!

Funny Chocolate!!!

 What’s So Funny About Chocolate?

I have always taken my chocolate seriously….and I mean seriously!!! I never met a chocolate I didn’t fall in love with. However, I must admit I do eat dark, healthy chocolate daily as I know that it is full of healthy flavanoids and antioxidants. Each day I enjoy 2-3 little squares of gourmet healthy chocolate. In total, I am consuming 15,300 ORAC and 2,250 units of flavonoids , Plus 1 billion beneficial micro-organisms.

I will proclaim it here and now…I LOVE CHOCOLATE! I love how it tastes, and I love how it makes me feel.

Now, before I get too serious and bore you to sleep, I want to share some very funny chocolate quotes. If you know me or the writings from my cookbook, Olive Oil Desserts, you know how much I  love food quotes.  If you don’t know me, that’s okay…. I still think you will get a giggle

I was going to post some health info about chocolate, but I just can’t get serious about chocolate right now, not when I am reading these quotes . So, oh well…I guess I will share more about the healthy benefits of dark chocolate on my next post.

So, here ya go…. and oh yes…..have a healthy and sweet day. Micki

• SEVEN DAYS WITHOUT CHOCOLATE MAKES ONE WEAK.
• LIFE WITHOUT CHOCOLATE IS NO LIFE AT ALL. 
•  I WANT IT ALL!!! AND I WANT IT DIPPED IN CHOCOLATE.
• CHOCOLATE IS CHEAPER THAN THERAPY, AND YOU DON’T NEED AN APPOINTMENT.
• CHOCOLATE DOESN’T MAKE THE WORLD GO AROUND. BUT IT CERTAINLY MAKES THE TRIP WORTHWHILE.
• AND ON THE EIGHTH DAY GOD CREATED CHOCOLATE.
• THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE CHOCOLATE.
• SO MUCH CHOCOLATE. SO LITTLE TIME!
• IF THERE IS NO CHOCOLATE IN HEAVEN, I’M NOT GOING!
• IN THE COOKIES OF LIFE, FRIENDS ARE THE CHOCOLATE CHIPS.
• LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES. . . FULL OF NUTS.
• WHAT CAME FIRST, WOMAN OR THE CHOCOLATE BAR?
• CHOCOLATE. . . IT ISN’T JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANYMORE.
• I WOULD GIVE UP CHOCOLATE, BUT I’M NO QUITTER.
• THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN A GOOD FRIEND, EXCEPT A GOOD FRIEND WITH CHOCOLATE
• CHOCOLATE: HERE TODAY… GONE TODAY!
• CHOCOLATE MILK: THE POOR MAN’S CHAMPAGNE
• PUT THE CHOCOLATE IN THE BAG AND NOBODY GETS HURT.
• A DAY WITHOUT CHOCOLATE, IS A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE. 
• IF IT WERE NOT FOR CHOCOLATE, THERE WOULD NOT BE A NEED FOR CONTROL TOP PANTY HOSE. AN ENTIRE GARMENT INDUSTRY WOULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATED! 
• IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED, HAVE A CHOCOLATE.
• THERE ARE FOUR BASIC FOOD GROUPS: MILK CHOCOLATE, DARK CHOCOLATE, WHITE CHOCOLATE, AND CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
• NOBODY KNOWS THE TRUFFLES I’VE SEEN

Okay, let’s get serious for just a moment…. or maybe not, that will be my next post… stay tuned!

As always, feel free to email me anytime.

 

Mic

A Few Useless and Not So Useless Bits of Olive Oil Information

A Few Useless And Not So Useless Facts About Olive Oil
just in case you were wondering…
 
• Olive oil is medically proven to be good for your heart and good for your overall health.
• Olive oil aids in lowering your LDL cholesterol (mine has dropped 100 points since making the switch to olive oil)
• Olive oil is not a genetically modified food!
• Olive oil is great for lactose intolerant people.
• Olive oil does not contain trans fatty acids (bad for you).
• Olive oil is not hydrogenated (bad for you).
• Olive oil can be kept in your food storage.
• Olive oil can be stored in your refrigerator.
• Olive oil can be frozen.
• Olive oil is technically a fruit juice.
• Olive oil is pressed and not chemically extracted.
• Olive oil is a great massage oil.
• Olive oil was called “the great therapeutic” by Hippocrates.
• Olive oil is produced by over 450 companies in California and Texas.
• Olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats (good for you).
• Olive oil tastes great in traditional desserts (come see for yourself).
• Olive oil makes your heart and tummy smile.
• Olive Oil Desserts have 1/3 less fat and calories.
• Olive Oyl was Popeye’s girlfriend.
• Olive oil has so many beneficial uses, I will need to continue this list on another post!!!

And there will be another post, oh yes….. another post indeed…..

Have a sweet day,

Micki

Buy a copy Of Olive Oil Desserts Today!!!

 

Olive Oil Desserts- Now an Award Winning Cookbook!

Olive Oil Desserts takes the Silver Award in the Nutrition/Cooking category from the “Living Now” Book Awards!

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the judges of the Living Now Book Awards. Making Olive Oil Desserts an Award winning cookbook validates everyone who is searching for healthier options in dessert baking.

Many people find themselves wanting or needing to make small adjustments in their diet. Unfortunately, that usually requires them to give up their favorite sweet treats. Now there is an alternative in baking desserts without all of the trans fat and hydrogenated oils most always found in pre-packaged and homemade desserts. For most of us, dessert is more than food- it is a feeling that connects us to home, family and friends.

Thanks a Billion

Micki

The Proper Care and Storage of your Olive Oil -

Olive oil is your friend and must not be treated like all other oils. Olive oil can be fragile, yet well worth the effort to keep it fresh. After cooking or baking with your well preserved olive oil, you won’t regret taking a little extra time to keep it fresh.

Olive oil producers all over the globe are well aware that is that once olive oil is produced, it must be packaged immediately to avoid oxidization (exposure to air). When olive oil is exposed to air and light, it begins to become rancid.  If you have ever tasted rancid olive oil, it is a taste you will not soon forget. For this reason, fresh pressed olive oil is  bottled right a way, and stored in a dark glass container or metal tin.

Olive oil which is stored in unopened tins will remain fresh for up to 5 years.

If you are planning on using  your opened olive oil within 3 months, it is acceptable to store it in  an airtight container, away from light, and at room temperature.

You may also store your olive oil in the refrigerator. However, please note that sedimentation occurs at temperatures lower than 37 degrees Fahrenheit, and your olive oil will begin to harden (it looks like little clouds). However, it does disappear when the oil returns to room temperature.

Freezing olive oil works well and does not destroy the healthy benefits associated with it. However, be sure and use some of your oil before freezing because expansion may cause your olive oil bottle to crack (or your tin to bulge). When ready to use, place on the counter and bring back to room temperature, it’s just that simple.

It is important to check the “best before” or “bottled on” date on your olive oil label.
Unlike a fine wine, the quality of olive oil does not improve with time. Use your fresh pressed oil within 6 months.

Therefore, you see…. storing your olive oil is simple and fun! Enjoy using olive oil in all of your cooking and baking; it will make your heart smile!!!

Excerpt- Is Someone Having A Heart Attack or Stroke?

By now, many people are aware that olive oil is very high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). And those MUFA’s have been medically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease. However, nothing is 100% foolproof, and if someone you are with were having a heart attack or stroke, would you know what signs to look for?

Someone sent me an email the other day and mentioned how helpful a page in my cookbook was. It is only one page, but that page teaches you how to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with a heart attack or stroke in progress. Sometimes the person who is displaying these symptoms may not know what is happening to them.

Please read an excerpt from Olive Oil Desserts and learn the signs. Who knows… someday you may save a life with this simple information!

Heart Attack Warning Signs

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest
that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of
the body.

Stroke Warning Signs

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

 • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

 • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

 • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Not all of these warning signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. If some
start to occur, get help immediately. Heart attack and stroke are medical
emergencies! Call 9-1-1 

Source: American Heart Association

I am wishing you a sweet day, filled with healthy and happy baking, without trans fats and hydrogenated oils!!! Go olive oil!!!! (can you tell I love the stuff?)
 
Micki

P.S. Recipes and olive oil info coming soon!!!

Source: American Heart Association
 
I am wishing you a sweet day, filled with healthy and happy baking…. without those yucky trans fats and hydrogenated oils!!!

Go olive oil!!!! (can you tell I love the stuff?)
 
Micki

P.S Recipes and olive oil info coming soon!!!

Real Live Cookbook, Checking The Oil , Appearances, & Easy Pie Crust-Fit For A Pastry Chef!

                Real Live Cookbook, Checking The Oil , Appearances, & Easy Pie Crust-Fit For A Pastry Chef!Okay, okay….of course there is a little bit of shameless self promotion here…The cookbooks are in the warehouse and ready to ship. They can also be ordered into your local Barnes and Noble, where you can save  the big bucks on shipping costs. Amazon.com has cookbooks in stock as well. And last but not least, there is always my humble… little old …website  www.oliveoildesserts.com 

Don’t you think it’s time to toss out all of the unhealthy trans fats and hydrogenated oil (butter, margarine, shortening, and, perish the thought, lard), and begin cooking and baking healthier today?

Your heart will say thanks, and your tummy will smile!!!

Send Me Your Cooking Stories

As a fun contest, I am giving away a free cookbook to the person who can send me the funniest cooking story. The disaster stories are especially funny!!! Are ya game??  Invite a friend to my blog to share a story too….

 Checking The Oil

 I am on a mission to find the most delicious, nutritious, & super amazing olive oil to bake my desserts with. Who wouldn’t be excited about all of the beautiful blends which have come in so far from several of California’s finest olive growers? Cowabunga Dude, I can’t wait to start testing!!!

Stay posted for reviews…

Check out this video and learn more about making the perfect olive oil!

Utah’s 2009 Spring Home & Garden Show was better than ever. My son Mike, and my borrowed daughter, Cassidy were fantastic at assisting during the show.  Thanks to everyone who attended. And, in case you are wondering,…. the recipes I demonstrated at the Chef’s stage, can be found in my categories section. all except……

Easy Pie Crust-Fit For A Pastry Chef!

Below is the now famous, Perfect Olive Oil Pie Crust recipe.  Even Chef Bryan, who is a trained pastry chef; and the host of Fresh From The Kitchen, was surprised when he tasted it. I believe his exact words were ,” I think that this is the most amazing pie crust I have ever tasted”.  But don’t take his (or my) word for it, try it out for yourself, and see how very easy it is to prepare. Use your favorite pie filling or try mine. either way, if you were not a pie person in the past, you just might become one now…(in my humble opinion).

Upcoming Appearances

If you  live in Utah or Idaho, catch me mixing it up with Chef Bryan next Monday, March 30th, on channel 2 (KUTV) at noon. We are  making the healthy, yet sometimes evil, Chocolate Sin Cookies!

I will also be chatting about yummy food with Radio Host, Barbara Howard on April 4th at 8:00pm EST. To listen online, click here

 Perfect Olive Oil Pie Crust

Ingredients:

2½ cups………flour, sifted

1 tablespoon    granulated sugar

1 teaspoon……salt

½ cup………. pure olive oil

2/3 cup………buttermilk

1 teaspoon……pure vanilla extract

EGG WASH

1 medium……..egg white

2 teaspoons…..cold water
Preparation

1  In mixing bowl add flour, sugar, and salt. Mix together.

2  Add olive oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Using a spatula, blend all ingredients. If necessary, add a sprinkle of flour to create desired texture; not too wet and not too dry.

3. Divide dough into 2 equal parts. Form balls and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Flatten with the palm of your hand. Let rest for 5~10 minutes (no need to refrigerate).

4. Roll out between wax or parchment paper.

Assemble pie according to pie filling recipe instructions.

Egg Wash Preparation

Mix egg white and water together until well

blended. Using a pastry brush, brush egg mixture

on the top pie crust. Dust the top of the

crust with 1~2 teaspoonfuls of sugar. Bake according

to recipe instructions.

The egg and water mixture brushed on top helps

the sugar stick to the crust as well as making the pie look shiny.

Thanks for stoppin by!!! As always, your comments are welcome.

Happy and Healthy Baking,

Micki

Better Eating For 2009 And A Bran Muffin

As much as I enjoyed the break, I am excited to get back to posting food stuff again. Did you know that many experts in the food industry are saying that 2009 will bring in a comeback of comfort food?  That’s right, out with all of the fancy foods and in with the traditional old fashioned foods. Just in time for the release of my cookbook.

Why not add a little bran into the new year ?

 

Wow! I cannot believe how fast time can fly by. I hope you enjoyed the Christmas season as much as our family did.

Food, cooking, and sharing food are so much a part of our lives. My question is, why give up the foods you love the most if you don’t have to? I know that this is the start of a new year, and you probably made a resolution or two regarding health, exercise, and diet. If so,  good for you. I know that I am vowing to do better in 2009 . The cool thing is, comfort food can be delicious and healthy. And please, please, whatever you do, don’t give up dessert. It would make me very sad ;(

A little story:

I ran into a friend of mine that I have not seen for a few months. I wouldn’t say she was too overweight before, but when I saw her, she looked great! Not to big, not to small, she was glowing, her weight was down (lost 40lbs), and she said that she felt great. When I asked her what she was doing to lose weight, her response was something different than what I would usually from someone who has lost more than a few pounds.  She assured me that she has not been on the latest diet, she was not taking HCG injections (I am very concerned about these), and not drinking slim fast instead of eating. She lost weight and got healthy over time by changing a few things and also by lowering the amount she was eating. When she wound eat out, she would normally eat a whole burrito. Then she started asking herself, “do I really need to eat the whole burrito, or can I just stop at eating half?” Just by being honest with herself about what she was eating, and how much she was eating, she could make some small adjustments. And those small adjustments added up to better health, a slimmer body, and an increase in energy. She did give up soda completely, and although it was diet soda she was drinking, she felt that it was still contributing to poor health and her weight being higher than she wanted (lots of sodium). Our little visit inspired me to share a few tips that I am hoping will help everyone in the new year.  

I am sure you have heard most all of this before, but I always enjoy a little reminder here and there, and I hope you will too.

Drink water…. Lots of water: It is best to drink 8-12 ounces 15-30 minutes prior to a meal. Not only is water great for your body, it also fills you up, which helps to curb overeating.

Share a whole portion of your meal with someone else: If you can’t find someone to split a portion with you, then package it up and eat it for another meal. I use to live in Japan, and always noticed how small a meal size was. It was funny to return home to America because one portion in the USA would feed 3-4 people in Japan.

Cut down or give up soda:  I love a great fizzy drink. I don’t know what it is about a little co2 in our drinks, but it just feels great going down. If you don’t like soda, then you are a step ahead of a lot of folks. I love to drink herb tea mixed with juice. If you must have soda, how about limiting it a bit more or mixing plain soda water it with juice?

Cut down on prepackaged and fast food: This is a tuffy for many. The problem with these types of food is that a great deal of them are not food at all. They are packed with trans fatty acids, which are directly linked to diseases of the heart and colon.  Also, try not to be fooled by packaging and labels. When a package reads something like “natural flavor”,  unfortunately our darling FDA allows many non-foods to be called natural. If a product has no expiration date or one that is one year from the date you are reading it, it is s good guess that there is not much food in it. If you must eat fast, look for places which have fresher foods and an open kitchen. It’s nice see how your food is prepared.

Try new foods: It’s fun to try something new. I have a friend and her children hated vegetables. One evening, I was making asparagus and asked if they would like to try some. They loved it! All I did was lightly stir-fry it in olive oil, sprinkle a clove of garlic, and a few Italian seasonings. Now their mom serves them  asparagus, and they love it. Why not set a goal to try a new (real) food once a week? Be simple and creative, it’s fun.

 Eat Fiber: Fiber fills you up and keeps you feeling satisfied longer. When possible, check labels and notice how many grams of fiber are in your food. Men need about 30 to 35 grams of fiber a day and Women need 25-30 grams a day. The average American Diet (fast food) contains about 10-15 grams of fiber per day. Some foods which are high in fiber might surprise you…. ½ avocado- 6 grams, 1 cup raspberries- 8 grams  1 medium pear with skin -6 grams, 1 cup split peas -16 grams !. To add a little fiber, we have been known throw a bit of wheat germ in our pancake mix and not even our guests notice.

Okay this is long enough. As my contribution to help you in your start for the new year, I thought you might enjoy my bran muffin recipe. Bran muffins are not just for breakfast anymore!

This recipe makes about 55-60 delicious full size bran muffins. Make as many as you like, then store the remainder of the mix in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It keeps for up to 6 weeks.

And remember…..Whatever the question, dessert is the answer!!!

Happy Baking!

Micki

Bran Muffin Recipe from  Olive Oil Desserts

2 cups       4 cups       5 tsp          2 cups       2/3 cups    2 tsp          1 quart      2 cups       5 cups        1  tsp

boiling hot water all bran cereal baking soda granulated sugar pure olive oil pure vanilla extract low-fat buttermilk 40 % bran cereal flour ( I love to use whole wheat pastry flour) salt

Preparation

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line muffin tins with

paper liners or coat with olive oil cooking spray.

2. In a medium size mixing bowl, add boiling

water, all-bran, and baking soda. Mix until all

ingredients are moistened and set aside.

3. And in a large mixing bowl add sugar, olive

oil, vanilla & butter extracts, buttermilk, and

bran flakes. Blend together until well mixed.

4. Add water/bran mixture and blend. Fold in flour

and salt, mixing until completely moistened.

5. Fill muffin tins ⅔ full and bake for 15~20

minutes. Cool on wire racks.

 

Keep unused batter in the refrigerator for up to six weeks

 

 

 

Olive Oil Desserts Available January 2009

About desserts made with olive oil

With heart disease on the rise and unhealthy trans fat making headlines as one of the main culprits, many people are looking for better ways to improve their diet. The challenge is that most baked goods contain unhealthy trans fat and hydrogenated oils. For this reason, many people find themselves having to say ”No” to the one food group they love the most – dessert.

 

 

 

 

Ward Off Those Evil Spirits With Pumpkin Bread

In the mid 1800s, nearly a quarter of a million immigrants from Ireland came to America to escape the Irish Potato Famine . As luck would have it, they also brought what later became one of most honored traditions in America.

Jack-O-Lanterns originally were carved from a turnip, gourd, potato or beet. They were then lit with a candle or a burning lump of coal. These lanterns represented the souls of those who had gone before. The Irish believed that the lanterns protected them from any evil spirits that may have been hanging out and about.  Here in America Turnips or gourds were not such a hot commodity, but pumpkins were . So the Pumpkin became the de facto Jack O Lantern as well as famous around the world as the symbol of Halloween.

Who doesn’t love Halloween? All those cute kids, creative costumes, candy, and spook allys. And the pumpkins, oh… those adorable  pumpkins. They seem to be everywhere! There seems to be a gazillion things to with a pumpkin. There is even a rock band named The Smashing Pumpkins. However, my favorite use for a pumpkin is to bake a delicious loaf of soft and savory pumpkin bread.

Try my delicious pumpkin bread made with heart healthy olive oil and you are sure to enjoy a delicious Halloween. Not to mention …., there will be no evil spirits in your kitchen!!!

Micki Sannar 2008©

Sweet Pumpkin Bread

• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup pure olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray three 7×3 inch loaf pans bread pans with olive oil cooking spray.

2.  In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree; eggs, olive oil, molasses, vanilla water and sugar and brown sugar. until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.

3.   Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Pucker Up

 

When life gives you lemons…..

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade right?

 Not so fast missy!

Although I love a nice tall glass of lemonade as much the next guy, there is so much more to lemons (and life) than just plain old lemonade.

 Did you also know that lemons

·     Are the top source of citric acid

·     Packed with vitamin C

·     Act as a natural laxative (the juice of one lemon blended with one egg yolk)

·     Fresh lemon juice has only 4 calories

·     Are a natural therapy for treating fever

·     When heated, creates salicyclic acid, which is a natural pain reliever.

·     Are excellent thirst quencher

·     A natural insect repellent

·     Lighten hair color in the sun

·     Are an natural body detoxifier

·     Keep fruits like apples and pears from going brown

·     Have a delicious and soothing aroma

·     Add incredible flavor to baked goods  

Lemon tips

·     When needing only a few drops of lemon  juice, prick one end with a fork and squeeze the desired amount.

·     Lemon juice can be frozen for up to 6 month and still taste fresh. To freeze, place juice in ice cube trays.

·     When a recipe calls for fresh squeezed lemons, squeeze upside down to avoid seeds from dropping into your recipe.

·     To extend the shelf life of a lemon, keep them in your refrigerator in a clean jar, cover them with cold water and seal the jar well.

A couple of useless facts about lemons

·     There are 18 varieties of lemons worldwide

·     On his second voyage, Christopher Columbus brought the first lemons (and lemon trees) to America.

So, when life gives you lemons, go ahead and make lemonade…….

But, don’t forget the cookies!!

Extreme Lemon Sugar Cookies

 ⅔ cup……………….. pure olive oil

1 cup………………… granulated sugar

1 large………………  egg

2½ teaspoons……. pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons……. lemon zest (one large lemon)

2 tablespoons……. fresh lemon juice

2¼ cups……………. flour (whole wheat pastry flour works well)

1 teaspoon………… baking powder

½ teaspoon……….. baking soda

½ teaspoon……….. salt

½ cup……………….  additional sugar for rolling

½ cup……………….  powdered sugar for dusting.

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat cookie sheets

with olive oil cooking spray.

2. In mixer bowl add olive oil, sugar, egg,

vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Blend

until smooth.

3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and

salt. Mix until well blended.

4. Drop by teaspoonfuls or by small size cookie

scoop into sugar and roll until well coated.

Place on prepared cookie sheets.

5. Bake 8 minutes, cool on wire racks, dust

with powdered sugar. Pucker up, and enjoy!!!

Chocolate, My Heavenly Sin

    

Okay, here’s the deal. If there is no chocolate in Heaven, I’m not interested in going. I adore chocolate. I have never met a chocolate that was not my instant best friend.

The other day I was at a gathering and the subject of chocolate came up. Each lady started talking about their favorite chocolate. It seems like most everyone has a personal reason to eat or drink the stuff. Here are just a few thoughts some have had when it comes to their chocolate …..Chocolate in happy times- A day without chocolate is a day without sunshine- Chocolate in sad times- Nobody know the truffles I’ve seen.- Out of work- Will work for chocolate-Desperate times- Put the chocolate in the bag and nobody gets hurt. When you feel like giving up!- I would give up chocolate, but I’m not a quitter. And sexy times ( I’m not touching that one).

Rarely have I met a woman that is not delighted by the mere thought of chocolate in any way, shape, or form. One woman at the gathering piped in and very boldly stated, “I hate chocolate!!!”. We all just looked at her in shock as if to say something like “I don’t think we can be your friend”. When the shock wore off, we all just went on with our chocolate talk, and she became silent, as though she was the only Republican in a room of Democrats. Ahhh, the power of chocolate.

Occasionally I wear a perfume by the name of Angel. And when I wear it, I am often told how wonderful  I smell. Come to find out that the base scent for Angel perfume is …chocolate!

Did you know that there 20 different kinds of cacao trees? But who cares about that? I’ll just get to the stuff you really want to know.

There are six basic chocolate categories:

Dark Chocolate : Lots cocoa solids and very little milk or other liquids. It might have up to 13% milk solids, but not necessarily. This is considered the healthiest of all edible chocolates.

Bittersweet Chocolate: For a chocolate to be called bittersweet it must contain at least 35% cocoa solids. Upper end bittersweet will boast about 60% to 85% cocoa solids. Bittersweet is not just a cleaver name. The lower the sugar content the more intense the chocolate taste. This type of chocolate is most often used in baking.

Sweet, Dark Chocolate: Very similar to semi-sweet chocolate, containing 35-45% cocoa solids. In fact, it is  hard to notice a difference between the two.

Semi-sweet Chocolate: This is the most recognizable of the baking chocolates. After all, this is what was in the very first chocolate chip cookie. Of course, you can make all kinds of baked goods with semi-sweet, or just eat it all by itself. It can be used in the place of sweet dark chocolate. This lovely chocolate has a good, sweet flavor asd contains 40-62% cocoa solids.

Milk Chocolate: A sugary chocolate which normally contains 10-20% cocoa solids (which includes cocoa and cocoa butter) and more than 12% milk solids. It is occasionally used in baking, and is what most candy bars are made of. No real health benefits, except psychologically.

White Chocolate: The main ingredient in white chocolate is cocoa butter (pretty much made from pure fat).  Basically, there is no real chocolate in it. It has a smooth texture and a delicious, mild and pleasant flavor It is used to make fancy desserts like mousse and goumet puddings. Not so good for you, but yum.

With so many types of chocolate, you will never lose interest. You can eat it as candy, bake with it, drink it, and wear it (some have been known to love it that much!). Either way you look at it, chocolate is a girls best friend! Cuz diamonds taste kinda funny …

Try my Chocolate Sin Cookie and join me in Heaven!

 

Chocolate Sin Cookie Serves 36 to 42

 

Some days are just chocolate days. Other days are DARK Chocolate days. On those

days, this cookie is for you!

 

Ingredients

½ cup                        pure olive oil

1½ cups                    granulated sugar

3 large                       eggs, beaten

3 Tablespoons          milk

2 teaspoons              pure vanilla extract

½ cup                       unsweetened cocoa

                                 (Dutch milled is best)

2⅔ cups                    flour

2 teaspoons               baking powder

¾ teaspoon                salt

¾ cups                       granulated sugar

24                               chocolate chunks

                                   (use your favorite)

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat large

cookie sheets with olive oil cooking spray.

2. In mixer bowl add olive oil, sugar, eggs, and

milk. Mix until well blended.

3. Add vanilla and cocoa. Blend until smooth.

4. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix

until well blended.

5. Drop by teaspoonfuls or by small size cookie

scoop into powdered sugar and roll until

coated. Place 3 per row (these cookies spread).

6. Bake for 7~10 minutes. Remove from oven

and press a chunk of chocolate into the center

of each cookie. Cool on wire

 

 

 

 

Pecan Coconut Bars – Olive Oil Desserts

Make a Smilebox recipe

We had a great time at Utah’s Spring, Home and Garden Show. Thanks yo for being such a fun and great audience…I, especially love the haggelers- Bring it on!!! I made believers out of all of you

If you have any questions, as always please emial micki@oliveoildesserts. All comments and suggestions are adored!!!

Enjoy baking healthier desserts with olive oil!!!

And have a sweet day!
Micki