Olive Oil Cake

One thing our family has in common we’re not collectors. Not that we aren’t sentimental. Each item we place about our homes is treasured and often has a meaningful history. Okay, there is one exception for me! Cookbooks! I treasure each … And mention to family, you know those words that make children go “mom,” when I’m gone please find a special place for these. The latest addition to my collection is My Portugal by George Mendes. It’s a beautiful book actually worthy of a coffee table. Yep, this recipe, at least the ingredients, was inspired by My Portugal. I never follow the directions of recipes. My mother would have said I never follow any directions!

This is a great recipe. The results are amazing. The photo tells the story. Of course I cut the more than warm cake way too soon. Give this recipe a try. It’s delicious!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (The recipe calls for baking for 30 minutes at 300 degrees F in a 13 inch by 9 inch oblong dish treated with non-stick spray. My oven tends to run cool and I used an oblong about one inch smaller in length and width. I baked until done, one hour. Please use a small wooden skewer or toothpick to test for doneness.)

3 Eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 Cups sugar
2 Tablespoons lemon zest (or substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon extract in a pinch, or another citrus zest)
1 Cup Arbequina (because it’s fruity) olive oil (or substitute with your very best tasting olive oil)
2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 Teaspoons kosher salt
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Cup milk at room temperature

Beat the eggs until just beginning to fluff.

Press lemon zest into sugar. Beat in sugar/lemon mixture for about 30 seconds or until mixed.

Add olive oil and blend.

Whisk together these ingredients separately: flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

To the egg/sugar/lemon/olive oil ingredients add flour mixture and milk slowly, alternating. The mixing can be done with hand whisk or low speed beaters … just until incorporated.

Pour into baking spray treated oblong dish and bake until done. See above.

Eat while warm with ice cream, whipped cream. Add raspberries. Dress it up or not!