Olive the Little Things

08/28/2026

Flavored Olive Oils in Cooking: Unlock a New World of Flavor
Flavored olive oils are a simple and effective way to elevate your cooking without adding extra calories or fat. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting to experiment in the kitchen, adding flavored olive oils to your meals can unlock a new world of possibilities. Here's how you can use these versatile oils to take your cooking to the next level.

What Are Flavored Olive Oils?
Flavored olive oils are created by infusing extra virgin olive oil with various herbs, spices, and fruits. Some common examples include garlic, basil, lemon, and chili. These oils combine the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil with the added burst of flavor from the infusion.

How to Use Flavored Olive Oils in Cooking
Drizzle Over Dishes – The easiest way to use flavored olive oils is to drizzle them over finished dishes. Add basil olive oil over a fresh caprese salad, drizzle lemon olive oil over roasted vegetables, or pour garlic olive oil over grilled seafood.

Sautéing and Stir-Frying – Flavored olive oils can be used for sautéing or stir-frying vegetables, meats, and seafood. The infused oils add a subtle yet flavorful punch to your dishes, allowing you to skip heavy sauces or extra seasonings.

Baking – Flavored olive oils can even be used in baking to add a unique twist to your recipes. Lemon olive oil works wonderfully in cakes, cookies, and muffins, while chili olive oil adds a little heat to savory baked goods like bread and focaccia.

Dipping Oil – Flavored olive oils are perfect for dipping. Serve them with a crusty loaf of bread for a simple appetizer or snack. Add some garlic and herbs to your olive oil and let the flavors shine through when paired with your favorite bread.

Flavored Olive Oils for Specific Dishes
Garlic Olive Oil – Perfect for pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and as a dipping oil for bread.
Basil Olive Oil – Ideal for drizzling over mozzarella and tomatoes, adding to pesto, or using on pasta and pizzas.
Lemon Olive Oil – A refreshing addition to seafood, salads, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great in baking for adding a citrusy twist to sweet treats.
Chili Olive Oil – Use chili-infused olive oil to add a spicy kick to pasta, stir-fries, and grilled meats. It’s also a great addition to sauces and marinades.

The Benefits of Using Flavored Olive Oils
Health Benefits – Just like regular olive oil, flavored olive oils are rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support heart health and fight disease.
Enhanced Flavor – Flavored olive oils can instantly transform a dish, adding depth and complexity without extra salt, sugar, or fat. It’s an easy way to create bold, restaurant-quality flavors at home.
Versatility – With endless flavor options, flavored olive oils can be used in a variety of ways. From drizzling and sautéing to baking and dipping, these oils are incredibly versatile.

Get Creative with Flavored Olive Oils
Flavored olive oils are a simple, yet powerful ingredient that can elevate your cooking to new heights. Whether you’re looking to add a fresh, herbal note to your dishes or a spicy kick, flavored olive oils provide endless possibilities. Experiment with different infusions and see how these oils can transform your meals—without compromising on health or flavor! Start exploring the world of flavored olive oils today and bring new life to your kitchen creations!

It’s Olive the Little Things that make life better!

Send a message to learn more

08/28/2026

Olive the Little Things will be closing at 3 today.

Have a great weekend!

Send a message to learn more

08/25/2026

Would you drink olive oil? Most people look at me funny if I mention it, but it's actually a popular way to consume high quality EVOO. And it is not as bad as you are imagining! Olive oil is actually a fruit juice after all. You may find yourself saying "Why not?" after reading about these amazing benefits!

Drinking Olive Oil: The Ancient Elixir for Modern Health

For centuries, Mediterranean cultures have revered olive oil as more than just a cooking staple—it has been consumed straight as a natural health elixir. Today, science backs up what ancient wisdom has long known: drinking high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) offers a wealth of health benefits, from heart health to digestion and beyond.

Why Drink Olive Oil?

While using olive oil in cooking is common, consuming it raw provides even greater health benefits. Heating olive oil can break down some of its delicate polyphenols and antioxidants, so drinking it in its pure, unaltered state ensures you get the maximum nutritional value.
Health Benefits of Drinking Olive Oil

🫒 Supports Heart Health

Drinking one to two tablespoons of olive oil daily has been linked to lower cholesterol, improved circulation, and reduced inflammation. Its high levels of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols help lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) while increasing HDL (“good” cholesterol”), reducing the risk of heart disease.

🫒 Boosts Digestion & Gut Health

Olive oil acts as a natural digestive aid, stimulating bile production and promoting healthy gut microbiota. It can help relieve constipation, soothe acid reflux, and support a balanced digestive system.

🫒 Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. This makes it beneficial for reducing chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and even neurodegenerative diseases.

🫒 Aids in Weight Management

Contrary to the myth that fats lead to weight gain, the healthy fats in olive oil can actually increase satiety and reduce cravings. Adding a tablespoon of EVOO to your diet may help you feel fuller longer, preventing overeating.

🫒 Supports Brain Health & Cognitive Function

The high concentration of polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil helps protect the brain from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. Regular consumption has been linked to improved memory and mental clarity.

🫒 Promotes Glowing Skin & Anti-Aging

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which help nourish the skin from within. Drinking olive oil daily can hydrate skin, reduce inflammation, and combat premature aging, leaving you with a natural glow.

How to Drink Olive Oil for Maximum Benefits

✔ Morning Boost: Drink 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and kickstart metabolism.
✔ Before Meals: A tablespoon before eating can improve nutrient absorption and control appetite.
✔ With Lemon: Mix with fresh lemon juice for added vitamin C and digestive benefits.
✔ In Smoothies: Blend with fruits, greens, and protein for a healthy fat boost.
✔ Drizzle Over Foods: Add to soups, yogurt, or salads for a smooth, rich enhancement.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil

For optimal health benefits, always choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Look for:
Cold-pressed & unrefined for maximum nutrients
Dark glass bottles to prevent oxidation
A peppery, slightly bitter taste (a sign of rich polyphenols)

Is Drinking Olive Oil Right for You?

Drinking olive oil is safe for most people, but start slowly to allow your body to adjust. Those with gallbladder issues or sensitive digestion should consult a doctor before adding large amounts to their diet.

Unlock the Power of Liquid Gold

From ancient Mediterranean traditions to modern wellness routines, drinking olive oil is a simple yet powerful way to support overall health. Whether for heart protection, digestion, brain health, or glowing skin, adding a daily dose of EVOO to your routine might just be the easiest health upgrade yet!

Are you ready to sip your way to better health?

Send a message to learn more

08/20/2026

Olive the Little Things will be open by appointment only today 8/20. Contact me via FB messenger or through the website www.olivethelittlethings.com to setup an appointment!

08/19/2026

Olive the Little Things will be open by appointment only today. Send a message by FB or through the website

Olive the Little Things offers ultra premium extra virgin olive oils, infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Olive the Little Things also carries other gourmet condiments like jams, mustards, and aiolis.

08/18/2026

I Bought the Fancy Olive Oil… Now What?

So you bought the fancy olive oil. Maybe you tasted it at Olive the Little Things and fell in love with the flavor. Maybe you picked up a bottle because the garlic smelled amazing, the lemon was bright and fresh, or the basil reminded you of summer. Now you're standing in your kitchen thinking: “Okay… what am I actually supposed to do with this?”

Here's the good news: You don't need to be a chef. You don't need a complicated recipe. And you definitely don't need a special occasion. That bottle was made to be used. And once you start using flavored EVOO, you may find yourself wondering how you ever cooked without it.

If You're Feeling Lazy…

We've all had those nights when dinner needs to happen, but enthusiasm is in short supply. That's when flavored EVOO really shines.

Dip It

Pour some EVOO into a small dipping dish. Add a little salt, your favorite herbs, maybe some Parmesan, and grab some crusty bread. That's it. Want to take it another direction? Add a splash of balsamic. Suddenly, “I don't feel like cooking” looks a whole lot more impressive.

Drizzle It

Cook your vegetables. Put them on the plate. Add a little flavored EVOO. That's it. Garlic EVOO over roasted potatoes. Lemon-Garlic over asparagus. Basil over tomatoes. Savory Butter over corn. A little drizzle at the end can add a surprising amount of flavor.

Finish Your Pasta

Your pasta doesn't always need a heavy sauce. Toss hot pasta with a flavorful EVOO, Parmesan, cracked pepper and whatever herbs you have on hand. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, roasted vegetables or tomatoes if you want to turn it into a meal. Simple. Fast. Delicious.

Put It on Eggs

Fried eggs. Scrambled eggs. Omelets. Breakfast potatoes. A little flavored EVOO can turn an ordinary breakfast into something that tastes like you actually planned it.

If You've Got Five Minutes…

Now we're getting a little more ambitious. Don't worry. We're still not talking about complicated cooking.

Make Your Own Dressing

One of the easiest ways to use a great EVOO is to turn it into a salad dressing.

Start with:

3 parts EVOO + 1 part vinegar

Then add whatever sounds good: a little Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper.

Try Garlic EVOO with a traditional balsamic. Try Lemon-Garlic EVOO with a white balsamic. Try Basil EVOO with tomato and mozzarella. Once you understand the basic formula, you can start creating your own combinations.

Make a Quick Marinade

EVOO makes an excellent starting point for marinades. Combine your favorite EVOO with balsamic or vinegar, herbs, garlic and seasonings. Pour it over chicken, pork, seafood or vegetables.

Even better? You don't have to make the same marinade every time. Change the oil, change the flavor.

Upgrade Your Popcorn

This one sounds simple because it is. Pop your popcorn. Drizzle with EVOO. Add salt and your favorite seasoning. Garlic EVOO and Parmesan? Savory Butter EVOO and Parmesan? Smoky Bacon EVOO? Suddenly movie night has a little more personality.

If You're Actually Cooking…

Okay, now we're talking.

Roast Your Vegetables

Olive oil and vegetables were basically made for each other. Toss potatoes, carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus or cauliflower with EVOO and seasoning before roasting.

Then try something different the next time. Garlic. Tuscan Herb. Roasted Onion. Lemon-Garlic. Smoky Bacon.

The vegetable didn't change. The flavor did.

Build a Better Pasta Dish

Think of flavored EVOO as another ingredient rather than just something you cook with.

Lemon-Garlic EVOO + shrimp + pasta.

Sun-Dried Tomato Parmesan & Garlic EVOO + pasta + Parmesan.

Basil EVOO + tomatoes + mozzarella.

Tuscan Herb EVOO + grilled chicken + vegetables.

The possibilities start getting pretty ridiculous once you start looking at the bottle as an ingredient instead of just “olive oil.”

Make a Finishing Sauce

Some of the best sauces don't require a saucepan. Try combining EVOO with balsamic, herbs, mustard, honey, garlic or citrus. Drizzle it over grilled chicken. Pour it over roasted vegetables. Spoon it over fish. Use it as a dipping sauce.

You can make something completely different simply by changing the ingredients in the bottle.

And Then There's the Fun Part…

Experiment.

This might actually be the best use for your fancy olive oil. Try something you've never tried before. Put a little Lemon EVOO on roasted potatoes. Try Basil EVOO on fresh tomatoes. Try Savory Butter EVOO on popcorn. Try Garlic EVOO with your favorite balsamic for a dipping sauce.

Take a flavor you already love and find something unexpected to put it on. You might discover a combination that becomes your new favorite.

And that's really what we love about flavored EVOO at Olive the Little Things. It's not about making cooking complicated. It's about making it more fun.

You don't have to completely reinvent dinner. Sometimes all it takes is a little better ingredient. A drizzle here. A splash there. A little experimentation. And suddenly, the same chicken, vegetables or pasta you've made a hundred times tastes completely different.

So… What Are You Waiting For?

That bottle isn't supposed to sit on the shelf looking pretty. Open it. Dip some bread. Drizzle it on dinner. Make a dressing. Try something new.

And if you're not sure which flavor to try, that's exactly why we have a tasting room. Come taste a few. Tell us what you like to cook. Tell us what flavors you love. We'll help you find something that belongs in your kitchen.

Because sometimes, it's not about changing what you cook.

It's Olive the Little Things that make life better.

Send a message to learn more

08/14/2026

Olive the Little Things will be closing at 3 today.

Have a good weekend!

08/12/2026

Olive the Little Things will be open by appointment only today 8/12. Contact me via FB messenger or through the website www.olivethelittlethings.com to setup an appointment!

Olive the Little Things offers ultra premium extra virgin olive oils, infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Olive the Little Things also carries other gourmet condiments like jams, mustards, and aiolis.

08/07/2026

Olive the Little Things will be closing at 3 today.

Have a great weekend everyone!

08/07/2026

Have you ever tasted olive oil before buying it?

Most people haven't... until they visit Olive the Little Things.

One of the best parts of stopping into OTLT is getting to sample our premium extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars before deciding which ones are coming home with you.

Some customers discover a new favorite they've never heard of.
Others come in looking for one bottle and leave with ideas for dinner all week!

Whether you're grilling, making salads, dipping fresh bread, roasting vegetables, or looking for the perfect finishing drizzle, we've got flavors that will completely change the way you cook.

So tell us...

What's one flavor you've always wanted to try but haven't yet?

We might just have it waiting for you!

406 Kettle Street, Altoona, PA

It's Olive the Little Things that make life better.