Sunday, December 15, 2019
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The holidays are right around the corner and if you're like us, there's a bunch of baking about to go down this upcoming week! Cookies are one of our favorite things to make around the holidays for a few reasons:

1. They're usually pretty easy to make.
2. They make awesome gifts.
3. I enjoy eating them so I'll take an excuse to make them.

I'm so excited because in today's post, I've partnered up with Olitalia to share with you their recipe on how to make Olive Oil, Poppy Seed and Lime Bites! Don't let the name fool you, they're very cookie-like and super easy to make! Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the key ingredient in this recipe and definitely changes the whole game (and taste)!

So what's so special about EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)? Let's talk about it!
  • Olives are fruits! Yeah, right. Next you're going to try to tell me tomatoes are fruits. I mean - wait, what? They are too?!
  • Olive oil has a high smoke point which means it's great for use in everything from baking to sauteing to frying!
Did you know that producers of Extra Virgin Olive Oil have to follow specific guidelines?!
  • While the olives may be harvested at any time in their ripening process to be considered Extra Virgin Olive Oil, it must be extracted without heat or chemicals.
  • Must be low in acid (below 0.08%).
  • Each batch produced in Europe is presented to a panel of expert tasters to try before declaring it part of the Extra Virgin family.
  • The European Union PDO certification keeps track of generations of families to assure that the oil is part of the family and contains the same characteristics.

OLIVE OIL, POPPY SEED & LIME BITES RECIPE

WHAT YOU NEED:
  • 2 cups of all-purpose brown flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/2 cup of powdered almonds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • zest of one lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup of brown sugar +a little extra for rolling
  • 3 teaspoons of poppy seeds
  • 1/3 cup of Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
WHAT TO DO:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add the almonds, lime zest and salt and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, poppy seeds and olive oil and mix together. Add eggs, vanilla and stir until smooth. Fold in the rest of the dry ingredients until you have a soft, oily dough.
  • Fill a small dish with the extra brown sugar. Scoop the dough with a tablespoon into a ball and roll into the sugar until it's coated.
  • Grab a nonstick baking sheet and pop the coated balls on, about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 11-13 minutes until they are light brown, puffed and cracked on the top.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
  • Eat them up! These are best eaten the same day they are made! So if you're making these for a holiday party, make these earlier in the day for the best taste.
Best part of these bites? They're kid approved. Which shocked you and me both, believe me. I know poppy seeds might seem a little funky to some (hi, that's me) but these bites were so yummy, you don't even notice them! We'll definitely be making these again and again!