***GIVEAWAY CLOSED***
If you have been a reader here for awhile, then you will have noticed my love for baking. Being the baker that I am, I am constantly on the lookout for innovative and new ways to make yummy foods for my family. Not to mention the fact that I am looking for HEALTHY recipes too! If you have a love for all things healthy and sweet, then you are going to love this next review!
Olive Oil Desserts is a cookbook that focuses on using Olive Oil rather than butter, margarine and shortening for baking. Honestly, I had never heard of using Olive Oil for baking before learning about this book. In fact, when my mom was visiting the other day I asked her if she had ever baked with Olive Oil and her response was "Once...by accident!". My mom is a WONDERFUL cook and baker and it doesn't really surprise me that she had never baked with Olive Oil before. Let's face it. When you think of Olive Oil your brain probably automatically switches to Italian foods and sauteing veggies or pasta. So, you can imagine my delight when I discovered Olive Oil Desserts!
Olive Oil Desserts takes advantage of the fact that olive oil has been named the healthiest oil on earth. It is loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). These MUFAs are what lower your LDL "bad" cholesterol. Many medical studies have proven that olive oil reduces the LDL "bad" cholesterol and aids in the fight against heart disease. Olive oil contains numerous plant compounds. These compounds help to increase enzymes that block activation of carcinogens and aide in their removal from the body. Olive oil is loaded with polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that promotes heart health and the fight against cancer. There are no Trans fats or hydrogenated oils found in olive oil.
I love how this cookbook is set up. The pictures are gorgeous and very detailed and the whole book has a very elegant "feel" to it. All of the recipes are easy to understand and in the back of the book, Micki has included an glossary of terms so if you see a word you are not familiar with, you can simply refer to the glossary. I LOVE that!
Being that baking with Olive Oil is new to me, I was excited to dig into this cookbook as soon as I got it! I chose to bake the "A New Toll Cookie" recipe. My hubby LOVES chocolate chips and I thought this would be a very easy comparison to my traditional Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. Here is the recipe, then I will share my thoughts afterwards...
So, in my opinion...Olive Oil Desserts is a FANTASTIC cookbook!!! As someone who bakes frequently, I am very excited about all the recipes and options there are when it comes to baking with Olive Oil. I was not educated at all about the use and benefits of Olive Oil but am so glad that this book opens that door for me. Simply delicious and super easy...you will LOVE this book!!!
Micki has graciously offered to give away a copy of this cookbook, "Olive Oil Desserts" to one of you!!! Here are your entry options to this wonderful giveaway...
Olive Oil Desserts is a cookbook that focuses on using Olive Oil rather than butter, margarine and shortening for baking. Honestly, I had never heard of using Olive Oil for baking before learning about this book. In fact, when my mom was visiting the other day I asked her if she had ever baked with Olive Oil and her response was "Once...by accident!". My mom is a WONDERFUL cook and baker and it doesn't really surprise me that she had never baked with Olive Oil before. Let's face it. When you think of Olive Oil your brain probably automatically switches to Italian foods and sauteing veggies or pasta. So, you can imagine my delight when I discovered Olive Oil Desserts!
*****
Olive Oil Desserts is written by Micki Sannar and she lives in Highland, Utah with her husband and four children. Here is a bit more about this amazing cookbook:
In Olive Oil Desserts, Micki will teach you the basic facts of baking with olive oil. The recipes in this book are easy to follow. Olive Oil Desserts contains many mouth watering color pictures, cooking tips and delightful stories. There is also a section where Micki teaches you how to substitute milk, eggs and even whole wheat flour for lactose or vegetarian diets.
Olive Oil Desserts takes advantage of the fact that olive oil has been named the healthiest oil on earth. It is loaded with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). These MUFAs are what lower your LDL "bad" cholesterol. Many medical studies have proven that olive oil reduces the LDL "bad" cholesterol and aids in the fight against heart disease. Olive oil contains numerous plant compounds. These compounds help to increase enzymes that block activation of carcinogens and aide in their removal from the body. Olive oil is loaded with polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that promotes heart health and the fight against cancer. There are no Trans fats or hydrogenated oils found in olive oil.
I love how this cookbook is set up. The pictures are gorgeous and very detailed and the whole book has a very elegant "feel" to it. All of the recipes are easy to understand and in the back of the book, Micki has included an glossary of terms so if you see a word you are not familiar with, you can simply refer to the glossary. I LOVE that! Being that baking with Olive Oil is new to me, I was excited to dig into this cookbook as soon as I got it! I chose to bake the "A New Toll Cookie" recipe. My hubby LOVES chocolate chips and I thought this would be a very easy comparison to my traditional Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe. Here is the recipe, then I will share my thoughts afterwards...
***A New Toll Cookie***
2/3 c. pure olive oil
3/4 c. granulated sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. butter extract (I didn't have it so I omitted)
1 Tbsp. milk
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
********
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat large cookie sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
2. In a mixer bowl add olive oil, sugar and brown sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs, vanilla & butter extracts, and milk.
3. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Blend well.
4. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls or medium sized cookie scoop onto prepared cookie sheets.
5. Bake 9-11 minutes. Cook on wire racks.
********
So, my thoughts about this recipe: These cookies are a cinch to make. Where the recipe says to blend the olive oil and sugars until they become smooth and creamy...my ingredients didn't get smooth or creamy. I didn't worry about it though. I just kept going with the recipe and my dough turned out great. This dough is also nice to work with as it is not sticky at all. 
Contrary to my opinion about I thought these cookies would turn out, they were not greasy at all! I was sure that I would have an oily residue on my hands after eating a cookie but I didn't! These cookies are definitely comparable to my traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe. My two year old loved them...as did I! I cannot wait for my husband to try them!!! :)
Contrary to my opinion about I thought these cookies would turn out, they were not greasy at all! I was sure that I would have an oily residue on my hands after eating a cookie but I didn't! These cookies are definitely comparable to my traditional chocolate chip cookie recipe. My two year old loved them...as did I! I cannot wait for my husband to try them!!! :)So, in my opinion...Olive Oil Desserts is a FANTASTIC cookbook!!! As someone who bakes frequently, I am very excited about all the recipes and options there are when it comes to baking with Olive Oil. I was not educated at all about the use and benefits of Olive Oil but am so glad that this book opens that door for me. Simply delicious and super easy...you will LOVE this book!!!
Micki has graciously offered to give away a copy of this cookbook, "Olive Oil Desserts" to one of you!!! Here are your entry options to this wonderful giveaway...
Mandatory Entry:Visit Micki's Website and tell me something interesting you learned there. You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email where you can be reached should you win. If you do not leave an email address, it must be where I can easily find it. This giveaway is open to US residents and will end 3/31 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be selected.
*****
Extra Entries:
1. Become a GFC follower of My Opinion. Leave a comment to let me know that you did/ do. 1 entry.
2. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment to let me know that you did/do. 1 entry
3. Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a comment with the link. 1 tweet per day. 1 comment per day.
4. Blog about this giveaway. Leave a comment with a link. 5 entries, so 5 comments.
5. Follow Micki on Twitter. 1 entry.
*****
Extra Entries:
1. Become a GFC follower of My Opinion. Leave a comment to let me know that you did/ do. 1 entry.
2. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment to let me know that you did/do. 1 entry
3. Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a comment with the link. 1 tweet per day. 1 comment per day.
4. Blog about this giveaway. Leave a comment with a link. 5 entries, so 5 comments.
5. Follow Micki on Twitter. 1 entry.
6. "Like" Olive Oil Desserts on Facebook. 1 entry
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive an Olive Oil Desserts Cookbook for review purposes. All quotes are from the Olive Oil Desserts website and email. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
106 comments
Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed in its natural form.
ReplyDeletemsgb245 at gmail dot com
what an interesting book.
I am a follower via GFC.
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Olive Oil Desserts will teach you how to improve your diet and health without sacrificing taste or enjoyment
ReplyDeletemckenziesmom1(at)hotmail(dot)com
i follow via gfc
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This is all so interesting. I didn't even think about using olive oil in baking!
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I'm a GFC follower.
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I like Olive Oil Desserts on Facebook.
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I learned that olive oil desserts can have 30% fewer calories!
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I follow your blog publicly with google friend connect
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I like Olive Oil Desserts on Facebook - my FB name is Amanda Moore
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Micki does in home cooking classes, large or small events presentations and even phone consultations.
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I learned that you can reduce your Trans fat intake and increase your good fats while enjoying luscious chocolate cake, rich pecan pie, delicious sweet breads and many more family favorites.
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Following via GFC
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I learned Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed in its natural form (without heat processing
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I am a GFC follower
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I follow you on Twitter (@TheJohnsFamily)
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i loved reading that there is a section where Micki teaches you how to substitute milk, eggs and even whole wheat flour for lactose or vegetarian diets!
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i follow on twitter @ntiveheart
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tweeted!
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i follow micki on twitter @ntiveheart
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I "Like" Olive Oil Desserts on Facebook - jayedee halpin dewitt
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The reason that olive oil is so healthy for you is because it contains a high amount of monounsaturated fat, it is high in antioxidants, and contains phenols. Studies have shown that olive oil aids greatly in the protection against heart disease.
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
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I am just amazed to know that you can bake all those goodies using olive oil instead of butter. Her brownie recipe looks delicious! I think I will try it...now!!
ReplyDeleteTara
Sounds YUMMY! Facts I found out:
ReplyDeleteOlive oil has been known to be beneficial to combat ulcers and gastritis, and activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones much more naturally than most all other gastric drugs.
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I learned that olive oil is a natural juice which is extracted from the olive ususally by cold press.
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i learned olive oil can cut cancer risk.
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I learned that olive oil acts as a painkiller
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I like Olive Oil Deserts on facebook
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olive oil is the healthiest oil on earth crystletellerday@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI learned that olive oil contains numerous plant compounds that help to increase enzymes that block activation of carcinogens and aide in their removal from the body. asthenight at gmail dot com
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I learned that there is also a section where Micki teaches you how to substitute milk, eggs and even whole wheat flour for lactose or vegetarian diets.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on gfc (clc408)
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Like Olive Oil Desserts on fb (Cynthia Conley)
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olive oil helps to control your body's LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising your body's HDL ("good") cholesterol levels
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I learned that Oil Desserts contains many mouth watering color pictures, cooking tips and delightful stories.
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I learned that cooking with olive oillowers the amount of transfats!
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I learned that olive oil is the healthiest oil on earth
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What a great and pleasant way to get more healthy oil into a diet.
ReplyDeleteI learned that there are four grades of olive oil. Extra virgin, virgin, pure and extra light.
There is a couple rockin recipes on the site. I would love to try and make the Sweet and Slow Banana Cake
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I learned that Olive Oil has been known to combat ulcers and gastritis....very interesting! This cookbook sounds great, as I do follow a healhty lifestly but have never thought of baking with olive oil! Thanks!
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i learned that using olive oil for desserts can cut your calories by 30%
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I learned how to make Pecan Coconut Bars...my sweetie will love 'em!
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I learned there are many recipes that will substitute ingredients to make for lactose free and vegetarian recipes. That is neat!
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10% of the proceeds of this book will be donated to charity.
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I learned that olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed in its natural form.
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You can leave a valid email address with each comment so I will know where to contact you if you win a giveaway...or make sure it is listed where I can easily find it! Thanks for visiting!