American wine and cheese? Sure. But American olive oil? Absolutely. More than a decade ago a California oil won an international competition—in Italy. And upstart American olive-oil producers—many profiled in this book—haven’t looked back, creating artisanal oils that now come in first place in tastings worldwide.

 

For those whose knowledge of olive oil remains extra-virgin, author Fran Gage sets out all the essentials: buying and storing high-grade oils, understanding olive oil’s basic types, evaluating its health benefits, and doing your own olive oil tasting. She then uses American-produced oils in dishes ranging from rustic to sophisticated. The 75 recipes include crusty snacks (crackers, flatbreads, bruschette), savory sauces (pestos, vinaigrettes, mayonnaises), and scintillating fish, meat, and poultry main courses. For daring tastebuds, there’s a sideboard of desserts—cakes, cookies, even ice cream—that include olive oil as a main ingredient.