Cooking pasta is generally pretty straightforward. Boil the water, add the noodles, cook for the amount of time listed on the box, drain, and eat. But there’s one step there that’s actually a ...

A bottle (or two) of olive oil is a staple no kitchen is ... it in the pantry so you always have it on hand. Apply a splash of the oil to a hot slice of pizza right out of the oven, and enjoy ...

Beyond the technicalities, the important thing is this: its flavor and aroma remain intact, and that is why it is perfect for dishes where it is not cooked or barely heated.

In fact in the Med, most natives would agree that pretty much any dish tastes better with a splash of the stuff and sipping olive oil off the spoon is an age old practice that they are well versed in.

Olive oil is best used within 12 to 18 months of production. When you purchase your bottles, check harvest dates or best-by dates to ensure you’re getting the freshest oil possible.