Beyond the Bread: Unexpected Uses for Infused EVOO

Infused extra virgin olive oil is a game-changer, but too often it gets restricted to a dipping sauce or salad topper. At Humming Hills Farm, I craft these oils with bold flavors that deserve to shine in new ways. And the Extra Virgin Olive Oil we use for all our infused oils has a smoke point of approximately 375°F, so even baking and roasting ideas can be considered. Ready to rethink your bottle? Here are some ideas with the flavors we offer you might not have considered.

Lemon--Make a lemon-infused aioli by mixing the oil with mayonnaise and minced garlic. Brush it on seafood before grilling for a burst of lemony goodness. Use it to season couscous or quinoa for a lemony grain dish.

Habanero--Jazz up your avocado toast! Stir into your hummus or guacamole to add a fresh habanero note. Drizzle over tacos, pasta, pizza, or grilled meats and vegetables.

Garlic--Drizzle on Pizza or Popcorn adding a garlic punch. Use to saute shrimp or other seafood for a garlicky twist. Grill, stir-fry, or Saute vegetables.

Hot Chile Pepper--Mix with mayonnaise for a fiery sandwich spread or dip, or add to salsa to enhance flavor. Combine with vinegar for a zesty dressing for salads or marinades for meats for grilling or roasting. Drizzle on Pizza to add a spicy twist.

Tuscan--Add a drizzle to soups and stews for added depth of flavor. Toss with pasta for an extra burst of flavor. Rub onto roasts before cooking for a tasty crust and extra flavor.

Basil Garlic--Marinate mushrooms in basil garlic-infused olive oil and red wine vinegar (along with the herbs or spices of your choice). Add some kick to a black bean soup. Citrus juice with basil garlic-infused olive oil build depth with contrasting flavors. Drizzle basil garlic-infused olive oil over poached or fried eggs.

Rosemary Garlic--Mix it in dough to prepare rosemary garlic cracker. Pour over pasta with some Parmesan for a delicious pasta dish. Use it to roast potatoes or chicken.

Basil--Cook eggs in basil-infused oil--it's an easy way to liven up eggs with fresh herb flavor. Drizzle over a fruit salad and add a chiffonade of fresh basil.

There you have it—three ways for each flavor we offer to take your infused EVOO beyond the usual suspects. We use our oils for almost all our dishes here at home. We've used every flavor for popcorn and cooking eggs! Got a favorite from this list or something else you've created? Try it out and let me know how it goes. At Humming Hills Farm, we’re all about flavor and fun, so keep experimenting, and I’ll catch you in the next post!