Please note that this Olive Oil Basics Blog is part 1 of a 3-part series. An Historical Olive Tree in Greece Olive trees, olives, and olive oil are a super important part of the culture and life in Greece. When I visited Greece, I learned fun facts about olives every day. When I visited the Greek Island of Crete, I began appreciating the olives' significance more than I ever had before. Imagine a tree, like the one in this picture, that is more than 3,000 years old. Can you? It was mind-blowing to me when I saw the tree and realized its history - including a branch that was cut, traveled … [Read more...] about Olive Oil Basics 1: The Trees
Green Salad Tips for Better Nutrition
I know a lot of people who eat a lot of green salads. In fact, several years ago I had a client who loved salad and I was trying to help her improve its nutrition quality. After a fun discussion of options for her salad, she realized that the salad greens are good nutrition and when you add the toppings, you get even better nutrition. That just about sums it up if you ask me. There are many creative directions your salad can take for better nutrition. Green Salad Tips for Better Nutrition Buy the freshest salad greens - Each time you stock up on greens, check the freshness because … [Read more...] about Green Salad Tips for Better Nutrition
A Healthier Grilled Cheese Sandwich
There's something very special about a warm, gooey and toasty grilled cheese sandwich. I guess it is true comfort food at its quickest and easiest. When I got ready to make lunch the other day, I scanned the fridge for an idea and closed it. Then I opened up the pantry for a look and closed it. Then I went back to the fridge and saw my favorite cheese calling out for me to make a grilled cheese sandwich - so, I did. Making sandwiches for kids can be very challenging so take a look at these easy-to-do ideas that will delight the youngest members of your family. Healthier Sandwiches, … [Read more...] about A Healthier Grilled Cheese Sandwich
10 Ways to Season Your Food with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I find a bottle of extra virgin olive oil on nearly every cafe and restaurant table I visit in Spain - which is what I expected from the world's largest producer! What I didn't expect was that just about everything I eat these days, except for ice cream, tastes better when I season it with EVOO. It's a perfect time of year to get excited about using more EVOO because the 2019 harvest of olives and production of oil is about to begin in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and others. November, December, and January is the time to shake the olives down from … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Season Your Food with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Spanish Tortilla is a Potato-Onion Omelet
If you think an omelet is only for breakfast, then think again. This one works as a meal or a healthy snack. In Spain, the traditional Tortilla is well known as comfort food. It's a popular meal starter at home and it's easy to find as a snack or tapas around town, too. One thing I especially like about the Spanish Tortilla - a simple egg & onion & potato omelet - is that the whole thing is flavored with delicious extra virgin olive oil. Another thing I like is that it costs very little to make and most family members will like it. Finally, I like it because it reheats so well … [Read more...] about Spanish Tortilla is a Potato-Onion Omelet
Balancing Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter
As a dietitian, I get a lot of questions about fat and I appreciate every question. Fat seems to be one of the most misunderstood nutrients there is. So, this blog reviews facts about olive oil and butter to give you information and confidence that you are 'in balance.' Quick Olive Oil Facts: A fat that comes from grinding and pressing whole olives A pure 100% fat with no protein or carbohydrates, and about 100 calories per tablespoon A 'liquid fat' with about 3/4 monounsaturated fat A delicious flavor enhancer with a baked potato, scrambled egg, or slice of bread A fat that … [Read more...] about Balancing Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter