Lavender, Wine and Olive Oil Cookie

We've all heard the term 'Opposites Attract'. And we can probably all agree that this is true; but the real question is do they actually belong together? Seriously, think of a couple friend you know that are complete opposites- how long have they been together and/or how long did this last?

I worked for a dating agency once upon a time and let's just say I witnessed crazy experiences.

Overall, I can sum it up like this: people are set in their ways and refuse to go beyond what they think they want which causes a dating rut. Huge mistake, but what do I know? Dave and I have only been together for two weeks! 

So what does this have to do with cookies? Well, I've got a cookie that not only falls under the 'opposites attract' category (olive oil, wine and cookie) but also shatters the cookie rut (you know what I'm talking about: this is the type of cookie I like and I always eat it and cookies should be chocolate and gooey or crunchy or sweet..all of those ruts!)

Take some olive oil, add some wine, a little flour and sugar and you've got a fabulous cookie! Not kidding. Dave thought I was crazy ... until he ate one. Then he ate another, then another and then as he shoved another in his mouth he mumbled that he was addicted to these cookies. The addition of the dried lavender makes this by far my favorite strange ingredients recipe yet.

How does it taste? It has a nice personality. Not too crunchy, not too chewy. It's been described as a sweeter pizza dough. I put it together with a nice olive and cheese platter with a dry red wine, but it could easily be an after dinner cookie with coffee.

So what was my point with all the dating jargon? I'm simply saying that maybe sometimes it's true - not only do opposites attract, but sometimes really do belong together and I'm asking you to step outside of your cookie rut and try something new. I know it might be asking a lot, but think of it this way - unlike a blind date, if you don't like it- you can spit it out! Mix, bake, eat, kiss and most of all - be fat and happy!

Tips and Techniques: You can omit the dried lavender and still have a great red wine cookie.  Do use dried lavender over fresh to avoid picking the buds from the flowers. I sprinkled the pink salt on top which lent itself more to a cheese platter taste. You may want to omit this for a straight sweeter cookie.


Lavender, Wine and Olive Oil Cookie

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1- 2 tsp dried lavender
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup olive oil, plus some for the cookie sheet
1/4 cup dry red wine

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl, then the wet ingredients in a separate bowl; mix together - just enough so everything is combined, don't over beat. If the dough seems to thick, add a few more tablespoons of red wine.

Drop by the spoonful onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet or a sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a small glass and push down slightly, lightly sprinkle with course salt and dried lavender.  Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Note-  If you want these to be more sweet than savory, skip the salt on top.

Let me know how they turned out for you. I got rave reviews on these!!