The Passionate Olive: 101 Things to Do with Olive Oil (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "OLIVE OIL . . . I JUST LOVE IT!..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Tuna Confit, Roman Catholic Church (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Food's cheaper than medicine," claims Firenze in this charming book about the practical uses of olive oil. Firenze shares her passion for the staple ingredient by recounting warm memories from her Italian-American childhood, divulging tasty family recipes and detailing olive oil's fascinating history as a common Mediterranean health aid and an ingredient in food preparation. For those new to olive oil, Firenze explains the different classifications, the best ways to cook with it (marinating, frying, baking, etc.) and how to throw a great Olive Oil tasting party. The book covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from olive oil's historic role in religious rituals to its more sensual role as a rubbing oil for massages. Firenzi also details the practical uses of olive oil: it can be employed as a Diaper Rash Remedy to sooth babies' bottoms; an added ingredient to dog or cat food to give one's pet a healthy, shiny coat; and a homemade Shoe Polish. Most importantly, the book is filled with delicious recipes such as Gigi's Eggplant Parmesan and Massimo's Tomato and Potato Side Dish. This delightful book will not only make readers' mouths water, but will provide them with a greater understanding of an under-appreciated domestic and culinary ingredient.
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Product Description

For more than four thousand years, the olive tree has been a symbol of abundance, peace, and longevity. Gifted by a goddess, revered by ancient cultures, and protected by emperors, the olive tree and its precious fruit have played important roles in civilization.

Dubbed “liquid gold” by Homer, olive oil has been used for food, medicine, magic, beauty, and divine rituals. Baseball star Joe DiMaggio is even said to have soaked his bat in olive oil. And while it is no longer drawn upon to treat leprosy or massage elephants, the use of this versatile product is growing by leaps and bounds around the world.

The Passionate Olive is the ultimate guide to this natural marvel. Along with olive legends and fascinating history, Carol Firenze shares the myriad practical uses of olive oil through the telling of her favorite family stories and by offering unique formulas and recipes.

Restore luster to your pearls . . . curb your cat’s hair-ball problems . . . silence squeaky doors hinges . . . soothe your sore throat and dry lips . . . replace artery-clogging butter in your favorite dishes with . . . can you guess?

The Passionate Olive reveals the secrets of how to enhance your life, love, and health with olive oil and merits a front-and-center spot among your most cherished books. It makes a beautiful gift, too, for just about everyone and every occasion. In fact, you and your friends will want to keep The Passionate Olive and a bottle of olive oil in your kitchen, your bathroom, and even your bedroom.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (March 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034547676X
• ISBN-13: 978-0345476760
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #58,220 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Gift Book and More..., May 2, 2005

By	Mimi W. (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This is such a perfect little book to give as a gift. I have tried two of the uses mentioned in the book--frothing oil and water for my dry skin and freezing oil in my ice cube tray for use instead of butter. Both were great! I highly recommend this book--it's filled with interesting historical facts and fun new uses to try.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic informative book!, April 28, 2005

By	Hilda M. Defrisco "Hildy" (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is such a treat and a great gift for any foodie! It is visually beautiful with olive colored text and lovely illustrations. The tips are surprising on how to use olive oil and the long history of olive oil compelling.

I saw the writer speak in the bay area and she was delightful.
She made a great suggestion to bring a copy of The Passionate Olive book(of course) and a bottle of olive oil to your next dinner party.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book - Lots of Fun, April 23, 2005

By	Robby Z (CA) - See all my reviews

I loved this book. Lots of great information and fun to read!
I have begun using some of the Olive Oil uses suggested in this book already and they work! Try it yourself.