Stolen Lemon Olive Oil Cake

While staying at the Villa Aurelia, there have been several receptions held here during the month.  In the lead-up to these events, the lemon trees that are in front of the Villa are rolled around from the front of the villa to different places on the property.  

One tree was rolled up outside of our door a few nights ago, and I couldn't resist availing myself of a few of these beautiful fruits. Truth be told, they let the fruit drop from these trees, and no one picks them up, rather than let them go to waste, I took the sustainable approach, and picked a few before they fell off the trees.  Just hoping the local Carabinieri don't come and arrest us before we leave on Sunday!

So with a few lemons, and being in a sustainable mood, I needed to use up some ingredients before we leave on Sunday.  I thought trying a lemon olive oil cake would be a great idea, since I'd used up the butter on the nutella bars.  We decided that this one is a winner, although I think it needs a lemon glaze, but confectioner's sugar seems to be non-existent in our local supermercato.  You can certainly sub in orange, lime, or grapefruit for the lemons, but it's a simple way to use up the zest and juice. 

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

Makes one 9-inch round

2 large eggs

1/3 cup good quality olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

grated zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup milk

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and coat the inside of a 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, juice, zest, milk and sugar.  

Fold in the flour and baking powder, mixing till it is incorporated and smooth.  

Transfer to the prepared pan, bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.  Cool completely and serve.  This is great with a cup of coffee or tea.  

Since I am working without a net here, this was the closest I could come to a 9-inch baking dish with the dishes in the apartmento, but it worked.  If you would like, you could make a glaze using confectioners' sugar and lemon juice to pour over when it's cooled.  Ciao for now.