Chic and Cheerful - Savoury French Olive, Cheese and Onion Cake

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, halved and finely diced
• 75 g plain white flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 250 ml milk
• 100 g finely grated gruyere
• 100 g green olives, pitted and halved

Directions

1. 1

   (These can be made in advance and refrigerated. Bake them in a tray of mini loaf pans or individual mini loaf tins (the tins should be about 10 x 6 x 3.5cm). Alternatively, try muffin tins.).

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan. Gently fry the onion for about 10 minutes, or until soft and golden.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the eggs, followed by the milk, until you have a smooth batter. Mix in the cheese, olives and sautéed onions, along with their oil. Cover and leave to rest for 2 hours. This will make a lighter cake.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 220C,450F, gas mark 7 and grease 6 mini loaf tins (see above), or one large loaf tin. Give the batter a good stir and divide between the tins.

5. 5

   Bake at the centre of the oven for 15 - 20 minutes for the 6 mini loaf tins, or 20-30 minutes for the large loaf - or until firm and golden. Leave to cool.

6. 6

   When cold, turn out of the tins and wrap or store in an airtight tin. These savoury cake/s freeze very well in slices or as 1 whole or 6 mini loaves.