The healthful virtues of olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, have become well-known in recent years; its monounsaturated fats and antioxidants are beneficial in preventing heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while simultaneously raising HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.

Helen Koutalianos has preached the gospel of olive oil and its benefits for years; at the same time, consumers across North America have become more sophisticated and appreciative of flavorful, boutique olive oils that are not mass produced. In this charming, intimate cookbook, Helen and her daughter Anastasia have collected 150 delectable, Mediterranean-inspired recipes (Greek and beyond), many of which have been passed along from Helen's mother and grandmother, in which olive oil is a central ingredient; these include Olive Oil Poached Lamb, Quail with Olives, Turkish Kebab with Garlic, Shrimp and Feta Casserole, Octopus in Wine Sauce, Seared Scallop and Prawn Gazpacho, Artichokes with Lemon, and Kolokethakia Yemista (Stuffed Zucchinis with Lemon Egg Sauce).

The book also takes readers through the artisan olive oil-making process, from cultivating and processing the fruit to the production of the oil itself. Complemented with full-color photographs of recipes, From the Olive Grove will seduce and inspire readers to create their own delicious, heart-healthy meals at home.

Helen Koutalianos was a food columnist and Greek cooking instructor who now runs Basil Olive Oil Products with her husband Basil; the company imports extra virgin olive oil from a grove in Greece that Basil's family has owned for four generations.

Helen Koutalianos' profile page

Anastasia Koutalianos is Helen Koutalianos` daughter; she has worked in editing, book and magazine publishing, and historical research. A lifelong foodie who was taught everything she knows about cooking from her mother, she is also a promotions and event planner.

Anastasia Koutalianos' profile page

This cookbook contains a wonderful combination of Greek classics, treasured family recipes, and some wonderful recipes as supplied by the chefs who rely on the family's olive oil for their restaurant's needs. It's quite evident this family is comfortable acting as ambassadors of Greek cuisine; their enthusiasm is embodied in their importation of the family's olive oil to the West.
-Peter Minakis, Kalofagas

Peter Minakis

I will be using From the Olive Grove: Mediterranean Cooking with Olive Oil in my own kitchens! The recipes make use of the richness of olive oil in both traditional and innovative Mediterranean dishes. Truly a cooking companion for everyone!
-Chef Marcus VonAlbrecht, Vice President of North America for AREGALA; Past President of the BC Chef's Association

Marcus VonAlbrecht

Nothing could be simpler or more approachable than the Koutalianos' Fasolakia Yahni (green bean and potato stew) or their Turkish Kebabs with Garlic and the Fennel Salad is so simple, it almost makes itself. Even the newest cook will find themselves with an interesting new repertoire with From the Olive Grove.
-January Magazine

January

For any fan of Greek-style cooking and olive oil, From the Olive Grove is filled with useful dishes to prepare.
-Midwest Book Review

Midwest Book Review

Our favourite local cookbook, and one we plan to cook our way through in 2011. Well-loved, delicious recipes from the Greek family who bring Vancouver its best olive oil, along with contributions from friends and customers who happen to be some of British Columbia's top chefs.
-City Food (Vancouver)

City Food

This is a wonderful book that I hope convinces readers that nothing tastes as wonderful--or is as good for you--as something made with olive oil, especially when accompanied by a good glass of wine and delicious appetizers like hummus and babaganoush.
-Dr. Art Hister

Art Hister

What I liked best about this cookbook is that it is a fresh take on a somewhat underrated cuisine, filled with "real" Greek family recipes that I would actually be motivated to cook. It reminded me more of the food-stained classics that occupy a shelf in my kitchen than those taking up space on the coffee table. With the growing popularity of the Mediterranean diet, Greek cuisine deserves its due and this cookbook provides it.
-The Olive Oil Source

The Olive Oil Source

This useful, straightforward, and informative cookbook is a valuable addition, especially considering the popularity of and emphasis on healthy cooking. It will appeal to seasoned cooks as well as novices.
-Library Journal

Library Journal