We love food here at Intolerant Gourmand HQ, it’s no secret! There’s nothing we enjoy more than creating delicious dishes to share with everyone!

But did you know, a lot of our experiences come from France, specifically the South of France, and the Mediterranean region. My grandparents lived there, and as a result, it influences the way I cook quite a lot.

The most obvious example of this, is that I use olive oil for pretty much all of my recipes!

Around a month or so ago, there was a request on Twitter from Emilia Delizia for people to try out a new olive oil, and we jumped at the chance. You can find out more about Emilia Delizia and SFoodle where the oil can be bought here.

A couple of weeks ago we received the olive oil, and we’ve been putting it to the test.

Now, I am quite picky when it comes to oil, particularly olive oil.

It probably stems from my grandfather instilling the importance of having a good quality olive oil.

Every single morning without fail, he would start the day with a strong bowl of coffee and a saucer filled with olive oil that he would mop up with a chunk of French baguette.

He once explained to me that clarity and colour were very important. He also swore that his breakfast regime kept him fit and healthy. He got to the grand age of 85, so he was definitely on to something!

The taste of the oil is delicious. It has a nutty flavour which is only going to complement any dish you cook with it. It has a lovely warm colour, and is very clear – a good sign of its quality!

So, the best way of testing out oil is to cook with it, right? Now, we could have gone with something really obvious, like a roast, or really, pretty much any savoury dish which calls for oil to be used.

But that’s boring, and definitely not like us. Oh no! We always like to mix things up a little!

We’re also missing The Great British Bake Off, so it had to involve cake! Of course it did!

I give you ‘Orange Cake with a Difference’ based on cake I remember having as a child.

Click here for all the details!

(NB: We were sent the olive to review, we have not received any payment for this post)