Olive oil and I go back a long way.

My earliest memories come from times spent with my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, planning and cooking meals, setting the table, and eventually sitting down to eat a delicious, satisfying meal. Those experiences have carried me into adulthood and are an important part of my life today. Some of my happiest times have been sitting around the table enjoying a great meal with family and friends.

My mother and grandmother used olive oil for everything. I never remember my mother measuring anything, including olive oil. She would take the large gold and black decorated gallon tin of olive oil that was stored in a kitchen cabinet and splash it into all her recipes. Somehow, she knew just the right amount to use.

No matter the state of the family budget, my mother purchased the best olive oil she could afford because she knew how important it was to the meals she prepared. She advised me to do the same. She knew what she was talking about when she said to buy the freshest olive oil available. Using high quality olive oil makes all the difference in the flavor, appearance and health benefits of foods. Thankfully, today high quality, fresh Extra-Virgin Olive Oil is easily available, along with considerable information about the health benefits.