Tag: Olive oil

When it comes to cooking, I use one of three things: olive oil, safflower oil, or coconut oil.

I know they’re healthy options, I know they’re tasty in my food (especially the coconut oil in homemade waffles), and I also know that there’s a lot of options.

Particularly when it comes to olive oil. There’s straight olive oil, virgin, extra-virgin, cold-pressed … the list goes on and on.

The most common varieties are obviously virgin and extra-virgin. But what’s the difference?
Read more…

I cook. A lot.

And I bake a lot, too.

Which means I’m equal parts butter and olive oil. And I also happen to love coconut oil, but we won’t get into that right now.

However, I’m from a looong line of butter lovers. Say the words “olive oil” in my grandmother’s presence and she’s likely to confiscate the family cookbook. Seriously. She’s all about the butter.

And she swears it’s better for you than “any kind of oil.” Well, she’s right…at least in part. Read more…

It’s hard to fully explain the greatness that is Trader Joe’s for quick, easy and nutritious meals. Since I’m on the quest to find such things, I went to the Trader Joe’s around the corner from our house and came home with the mother lode.

To tell you my entire grocery list would take too long, so here are the highlights:

• Mini cheese filled ravioli – they are small and perfect for tiny hands. Just boil them up, coat with olive oil and watch them disappear.
• Also, there is a large selection of dried fruits – raisins, cranberries, blueberries, mangos and even pomelos.
• Trader Joe’s animal crackers aren’t too bad for the little ones and boy are they yummy!
• And, believe it or not, the nitrate free, organic all beef hot dogs are surprisingly healthy and delicious. Those get gobbled up quickly around here!

Don’t get me started on their frozen dinners that will make you think you’re eating takeout from a restaurant…that’ll be for a later date…

For now, if you haven’t added Trader Joe’s to you list of places to pick up great food for the whole family, then get on it – you’ll be happy you did.

cathyse97