Baking with olive oil

Baking with olive oil will change the way you bake. It can be used in any recipe that calls for vegetable oil or butter. Keep in mind that the smoke point of olive oil starts at 400 degrees. Only use it with recipes that call for a lower baking temperature in order to preserve taste.

Bread baked with olive oil turns out loaves with greater depth and a hint of olive oil flavor. Dough made with olive oil will not develop a skin or a sour taste. This makes it good for pizza dough, but bad for sour dough. Breads will also stay moist longer.

Cake baked with olive oil changes the flavor of the final product. Olive oil gives cake a richer texture, but also makes it less sweet. Olive oil complements a caramel, devils food, or red velvet cake well. When using olive oil in cake batter it is suggested to use a sweeter frosting to balance the flavors.

There is a plethora of other foods that can be baked with olive oil. Quiches come out yummy, biscuits moister, and muffins mellower. There are some considerations to keep in mind when baking with olive oil. If a recipe calls for one teaspoon of butter or margarine, you will only need to use ¾ of a teaspoon of olive oil. When replacing the vegetable oil in a recipe you would use the same amount of olive oil.

There are also health benefits to using olive oil in baking. Olive oil contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which helps fight free-radicals in the body. It is also rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for the heart and cholesterol. The use of olive oil in baking lends a hand to flavor and moisture in foods, but also lends a hand to healthier eating.

What is your best recipes for baking with olive oil?

Olive oil can be used for different types of baking. What was your best? Let's others try it too...Share...