At the beginning over each year I crave home cooked meals – I’ve been doing a lot of cooking in the kitchen. We had rotating guests this entire December, which I love but we were eating out quite a lot. January is a time to reset and recharge.
One thing I love doing this time of year is cooking at home. It brings our family together at the end of our days and makes our home feel even more loved. I don’t think there is another item in my kitchen, other than salt and pepper, that I rely on more for my everyday cooking than olive oil – this Spanish olive oil in particular has been a favorite. There isn’t a day where I don’t use it for something – roasting vegetables, making a salad dressing, or even baking. And it feels good to know that olive oil is good for our health. Using it on a regular basis has so many benefits including:
Containing large amounts of antioxidants
Has strong anti-inflammatory properties
May lower the risk of stroke
Prevents heart attacks in men
Protects against heart disease
Rich in monounsaturated fats
At my home, we tend to eat roasted vegetables that we toss in olive oil at least a few times a week. It’s a great meal and so easy to make. I usually add some sumac or red pepper flakes and salt. It works especially well with root vegetables this time of year – carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and maybe some zucchini and you have an instant dinner. I like to roast in a very hot oven – 425 degrees for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Another use for olive oil is as the base for a salad dressing. My favorite is olive oil, the juice of one lemon, a dash of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper. It’s so easy to make and good for you!
I’d love to know how all of you use olive oil in your everyday life. Comments are welcome!
This post is a partnership with Olive Oil World Tour US. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting sponsored posts that keep Sacramento Street doors open.
Photos by Claire Giffen