I've been enjoying using samples of Laughing Frog's oils flavoured with rosemary, lemon and garlic.
They are made from New Zealand canola oil and infused with essential oils which give a true flavour.
Chris Steadman. who markets them, uses canola because it has no flavour of its own and allows the infused flavours to shine.
If olive oil is used, its flavours can interfere with the added flavours.
Canola oil also has a high smoke point so these oils are designed for cooking. Because they are flavoured with essential oils, they don't splatter when heated.
I've particularly enjoyed using rosemary and garlic oils for roasting vegetables and the lemon oil for cooking fish.
The garlic oil can substitute for garlic in things like hummus and is nice for cooking croutons, and the rosemary oil is good on lamb.
They are $5.90 for 250ml.
Expect to find a tasting of them in a New World supermarket soon.
• Alexandra's, known for its spice blends, dukkahs and other spiced products, has brought out another flavour in its Moroccan couscous series, a mushroom and pine nut couscous with a blend of spices, dried mushrooms and nuts.
These spiced couscouses are quick to cook, and add an exotic touch to a meal.
