Orange Olive Oil Cake

Searching for options for dairy-free desserts, I came across recipes for cakes and brownies made with olive oil. The idea interested me because I think olive oil always provides a touch of flavor that I enjoy.  That flavor note pairs well with the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice added to this batter. The result is a cake that is fresh with citrus flavor, super moist and a bit like pound cake, only lighter. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top is all it needs.

This recipe comes from The Merchant Baker.

Ingredients

Zest from 1 1/2 oranges
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - from 3 - 4 oranges
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp cardamom (optional)
3/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup mild olive oil
Confectioner's sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit on the bottom of the pan and spray with cooking spray.

Whisk together flour, baking power, salt and cardamom (if using) in small bowl.
With electric mixer, beat eggs on medium high heat about one minute.
Slowly add the sugar and continue beating until light and pale yellow, about 3 minutes.
Switch mixer to low speed. Alternately add portions of flour mixture and oil to the batter, beginning and ending with flour.
Add the orange juice and zest and mix until thoroughly combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few crumbs.
If the cake is becoming too brown before it is done, you can tent the top with a piece of foil.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes in pan. Then, remove cake from springform pan and allow to cool completely,
Cover cake. For best flavor, allow the cake to sit overnight.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

Aperol Spritz

This is my new favorite summer cocktail. It is light, bubbly, and refreshing with flavors of orange and rhubarb and a hint of grapefruit-rind bitterness. This is one of the most popular aperitifs in Italy and I can see why!

Ingredients

3 parts Prosecco Italian Sparkling wine
1 part Aperol Aperitif
Splash of club soda or sparkling water
Orange slices

Instructions

Fill glass with ice. Pour Aperol into glass over ice. Top with Prosecco in 3:1 ratio.
Top with splash of club soda or sparkling water.
Add orange slice.

Pineapple-Orange Prosecco Punch

I served this punch at a recent bridal shower. It is a perfect accompaniment to brunch.

Ingredients

2 cups pineapple juice

1 cup orange juice

1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling white wine

Fresh pineapple wedges

Sprigs of rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

Using a pitcher, mix pineapple and orange juice.

Just before serving, add sparkling wine.

Serve immediately, garnishing each glass with a fresh pineapple wedge and sprig of rosemary. 

8 serving

Recipe Source:  Damn Delicious

Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients

For the Salad Dressing:
1/4 cup honey
2 Tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
2 Tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/4 teaspoon poppy seed
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard

For the Salad
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 medium nectarines, sliced
2 medium oranges, peeled and sliced
2 kiwi, peeled and sliced

Instructions

In a small jar with a tight fitting lid, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake well and refrigerate for
several hours to blend the flavors.
Arrange salad ingredients on individual plates. Drizzle dressing on top.

4 servings.

Orange Apricot Punch

Ingredients

1 can thawed frozen orange juice concentrate
1 1/2 cup apricot nectar
1 liter bottle ginger ale.
1 small orange, sliced.

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in pitcher. Add ice and garnish with orange slices.

Copy Cat Orange Julius

I remember going to the mall and getting an Orange Julius, although I can't remember the last time I did that. But, here, perfect for summer, is a recipe that copies the Orange Julius that I remember.

Ingredients

6 ounce can frozen orange juice concertrate
1 3/4 cups water
1/2 cup dry milk powder
1/4 cup sugar
8 ice cubes

Instructions

Place all ingredients into a blender and mix thoroughly.