Olives and olive oil have a long history.  It has been suggested that olives and olive oil have been around as long a 6000 years.  The Bible even references olive branches in the story of Noah’s Ark.  It is unknown as to when people started to eat olives and their oil but its origins of use suggest that initially it was used in lamps as fuel as well as for cooking.

There are two main types of olive oils, extra virgin olive oil and olive oil.   The term extra virgin denotes oil that contains less than 1% acidity and has no treatment using heat or chemicals.  Extra virgin also signifies the oil is from the “first press” or “cold press”.  The tastes can range from a domestic mild or slightly rustic flavor to a peppery classic from Tuscany. 

Olive oil is often labeled as “pure olive oil”; this oil is refined with chemicals and steam.  The oil is then blended with a higher quality oil to give an improved flavor and aroma.  Often times this less expensive choice is used in recipes and for sautéing.  If you desire a purer flavor stick with the extra virgin varieties.  

Surprisingly enough olive oil lends itself well to chocolate.  The high cocoa butter content in chocolate allows it to blend easily with oil and the olive oil flavor recedes nicely to the background.  By using olive oil in place of dairy it becomes easy to create rich and creamy non-dairy chocolate deserts. 

When purchasing olive oil bring home the bottle and replace the lid with a pouring-spout stopper designed for use with liquor bottles.  This will allow for spill proof pouring and more control over the stream of oil. 

The oil should always be stored in a cool dark location and used within a years’ time.  This distinctive choice in oil can turn rancid if left on the shelf too long.

Food costs are one of the biggest budget busters around.  Clipping coupons and watching for sales just doesn’t seem to be enough.  So what is a family to do?  Well here are 10 ways to cut costs and increase savings when it comes to supermarket shopping.

1. Buy meat off season look for steaks in the winter time when it is not barbeque season and roasts in the summer when it is just too hot to cook.
2. Shop for less expensive cuts of meat.  Most meat will tenderize when placed in a slow cooker.
3. Try a stir fry; top round and eye round are good less expensive cuts of beef that make wonderful stir fry.  Then fill in the meal with fresh vegetables and rice and you will have a delicious inexpensive meal.
4. Buy in bulk.  This is one time that sales are the best bet.  Buy large family sized packages when on sale then bring them home repackage them and freeze for later.
5. Choose boneless pork loin instead of pork chops.  The meat has the same flavor while saving you money per pound.
6. Marinate.  Try marinating meat in bottled salad dressing or soy sauce.  This will not only flavor the meat but will tenderize the meat as well.
7. Shop for whole chickens instead of chicken breasts.  You will have enough meat with one whole chicken for about three meals and then you can use the carcass to make soup or broth.
8. Make your own chicken nuggets.  Pre cook chicken breasts then cut them into bite sized pieces.  Then coat them in crushed corn flakes and freeze.  Then when the kids want a quick snack just heat straight from the freezer.
9. If fresh vegetables are a bit expensive check out the freezer isle.  Frozen vegetables are often times very affordable and packed full of nutrition.
10. Go organic, it may sound strange that this can save you money but you will waste less when paying more per pound.

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