Olive oils from Spain
DURING an interview with celebrity chef Justine Schofield (Masterchef and Channel 10’s Everyday Gourmet), it was clearly evident that she loved Spanish olive oils for their health benefits and fantastic taste.
Currently an ambassador for olive oils from Spain, Justine is about to embark on her fourth season of Everyday Gourmet, while also running Justine Schofield Catering.
"I just love the beautiful rich flavours of Spanish olive oils," she enthused.
"Spanish extra virgin olive oil, with its slight pepperiness, is just perfect for dresssing salads and pastas, while light olive oil is ideal for frying and mixing into mayonnaise."
Spain is the number one producer and exporter of olive oil, providing over 260 different types of grapes of unique flavour, textures and fragrance.
Spanish Olive Oils are the most Internationally awarded in the category and is World Cultural Heritage listed by UNESCO.
Olive oil plays a key role in a Mediterranean diet and we all know how healthy that diet is!
Did you know there are 365 varieties and 400 million olive trees in Spain alone?
And Justine's favourite dish cooked with Spanish olive oil?
"Trout or salmon confit poached in olive oil," she said, "absolutely delicious!"
Try Justine's recipes using olive oils from Spain.
Roasted piquillo peppers and goat cheese crostini
Makes about 25 tapas.
2 baguettes, sliced
250 piquillo peppers
1 tbsp sherry vinegar, preferably Pedro Ximenez
salt
150g soft Boucheron-style goat cheese
1 punnet micro greens or vegetable sprouts
olive oil from Spain
fresh black pepper
Pre-heat oven to 170 deg C.
Lay bread slices on baking sheet and bake for a few minuts until pale gold.
Microwave cheese 15 seconds to soften.
Drain peppers, slice crosswise into thin strips. Toss in mixing bowl with vinegar and a few pinches of salt.
Top each crostini with a smear of goat cheese, heap several strips of peppers on top and garnish with a pinch of micro greens.
Drizzle some olive oil on each crostini and grind some black pepper on top.
Olive oil cake
This traditional recipe replaces butter with olive oil and its flavour blends beautifully with the orange and lemon.
1 orange
1 lemon
4 eggs
125g sugar
175g plain flour
3 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
220ml extra virgin olive oil from Spain
125g almonds, toasted and finely chopped
Grease and line a 23cm springform or loose-bottomed cake tin.
Pre-heat oven to 180 deg C.
Place orange and lemon in saucepan, cover with water and simmer until very soft.
Drain and cool fruit. Scoop out and discard pulp.
Puree lemon and orange peel until fine in food processor.
Beat eggs slowly with electric mixer and add sugar, beating until pale and fluffy.
Sift flour, baking powder and salt.
Using a metal spoon, fold into egg mixture with olive oil.
Then fold in almonds and pureed fruit.
Pour batter into prepared cake tin.
Bake about 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Cool on wire rack and sprinkle the top with sugar.
For more information and recipes from Olive oils from Spain visit www.tasteourlifestyle.com.au
