Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This stuff sells itself. I know, what a cheesy line from infomercials! This oil has impressed me since I started using it. I have begun looking for excuses to use it. Let me start by saying olive oil is one of the best choices you can make as far as oils go. It contains healthy fats that your body needs -- Omega 3s! There are a lot of thoughts that the American diet has too many 6s and 9s, that we need to consume the healthier fats. If this isn't reason enough to pick up a bottle, I'm about to break out a can of whoop tushie.

I used this olive oil in my family favorite pizza crust. Olive oil kind of gives the crust it's extra oomph, that little flavor boost. I know those of you who cook will completely understand. The oil plays a big roll in making this dough. I'll post the recipe at the end of this entry! It mixes so beautifully into the dough. It has a smooth texture as it should. Simply amazing for pizza dough, as I said.

I also made a salad dressing which you can read the recipe HERE! First off, I don't think The Pioneer Woman has ever let me down with a recipe. I found this one, and the first thing I said was, "Challenge accepted!" I went off on my merry way and prepped all my ingredients. This one is so easy, you probably have all or most of the ingredients already. I think if it was possible, I'd eat salad a whole lot more just to have this dressing. It's simple, but not in a boring way. It has flavor and I don't feel guilty eating it. Fresh ingredients are such an important thing to keep in our diets. To be honest, I probably need to consume more veggies everyday. I've opened new doors and possibilities thanks to this olive oil. I never realised just how easy making a salad dressing is! Now I can find more and confidently try them out.

Olive oil is an amazing thing to always have on hand. It has so many uses outside of cooking, you'd be surprised. Firstly, it's an amazing moisturiser. A thin coat massaged into your skin at least once a day will leave your skin soft and radiant. Depending on your skin type, it may work well for your face. It's wonderful for babies too! I've used it for many years on my own kids, specifically cradle cap. Pour a little on (carefully), let soak in and soften, lift up some flakes and comb away. It works well on mild diaper rash as well.

TFGL's Amazing Pizza Crust

• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups Bread Flour
• 1 Cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• Italian seasonings (use as much or as little as you like, I eyeball it)
• 2 TBS Filippo Berio olive oil

First mix your yeast, sugar and warm water together in your mixing bowl. Allow it to begin getting creamy, this takes approximately 5 minutes or so. If it seems to have trouble, try adding just a little bit more sugar. In a separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients. It will be easier when the real mixing part comes. Once your yeast mixture is ready, start mixing in your dry ingredients. About halfway through, begin adding in the olive oil slowly. I do all of this on my lowest setting with my mixer and a dough hook. Once your dough is mixed and ready, you can go ahead and use it. It will rise just slightly over a short period of time. I usually let mine rest with a cool towel over the bowl while I prep other ingredients or wait on the oven. It's not necessary at all though.

I bake my pizzas between 350 and 375 in my gas oven or on my electric toaster oven (set to convection). I cook until golden brown. Time allowed will vary by the size pizza your're making and what you've got the oven set at. relax, it's a tough thing to mess up as long as you keep an eye on it.

In my late night Bzzing I forgot to add in a disclaimer. I received a free bottle of Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive oil from BzzAgent as part of a campaign. As always, I promise to bring honest Bzz to the table. I don't want my readers to try bad products!