Cooking with Intention: How to Use Olive Oil with Confidence

stephanievanderham
7 days ago
2 min read

hand using tongs in a frying pan with steam in black and white

Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.

In fact, some of the most satisfying meals are built on a few good ingredients, used well.

In January, when we’re drawn to slower meals and warm kitchens, olive oil becomes more than just a cooking fat—it becomes a foundation. Understanding how to use it with intention can transform everyday dishes into something quietly special.

The Difference Between Cooking & Finishing Oils

One of the most common questions we hear is: Can I cook with olive oil?

The answer is yes—beautifully so.

Cooking olive oil is used for sautéing, roasting, and baking. It brings structure and warmth to a dish.
Finishing olive oil is added just before serving. It offers aroma, brightness, and depth of flavor.

Both have a place in the kitchen, and learning when to use each allows your food to shine without extra effort.

Understanding Heat & Flavor

High-quality extra virgin olive oil is more stable than many people realize. When used at appropriate temperatures, it holds up well and adds richness to winter cooking.

Beyond heat, olive oil also carries flavor:

Grassy and peppery oils pair well with vegetables and soups
Smooth, buttery oils complement grains, eggs, and roasted meats
Robust oils stand up to heartier winter dishes

Cooking with intention is simply noticing how flavor moves through a meal.

Everyday Ways to Use Olive Oil This Winter

If you’re looking to cook with more confidence, start here:

Sauté onions or garlic as the base of soups and stews
Roast vegetables with olive oil and herbs
Use olive oil in place of butter for baking and pan-frying
Finish warm dishes with a drizzle just before serving

These small choices bring depth without complexity.

Let Quality Lead the Way

When an ingredient is this central, quality matters.

Fresh, thoughtfully sourced olive oil not only supports better flavor—it supports ease. You don’t need extra seasonings when your oil does the work for you.

At The Hat’s Olive Tap, our olive oils are selected to help home cooks feel confident, curious, and supported in the kitchen—whether you’re cooking a full meal or simply warming leftovers on a winter evening.