Olive oil as an anti-inflammatory?

Can olive oil add anti-inflammatory to its list of beneficial properties? A recent article in the New York Times suggests that extra virgin olive oil may inhibit inflammation and this maybe another reason for singing the praises of the Mediterranean diet. Apparently, more research is needed but scientists may be on to something here. Vince, thanks for sending this article my way.

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes: No butter, no problem

I was cooking some mashed potatoes last night and just as Sean was starting to mash (we actually use a ricer--the funny contraption above), I realised we had no butter! I have pretty much stopped buying butter since olive oil came into my life. No problem. I reached for my bottle of olive oil and poured liberally into the very dry looking potatoes. We added some milk, grated in a little parmigiano, salt and a head of roasted garlic. Wow, I have to say the results were impressive. Our mashed potatoes were every bit as rich as the standard buttery variety and the flavour had just a hint of olive, which went very well with the slow braised short ribs we had as a main course.

There are many recipes where you can substitute olive oil for butter. It is a delicious and healthy alternative. Here is a great recipe for mashed potatoes with kale and olive oil on the beautiful 101 cookbooks site.

More kudos for extra virgin olive oil

I keep telling everyone it is the fat of Gods! Yes, olive oil tastes good and its good for you. It almost seems too good to be true, but it's not. I came across this recent article from the National Post that supports my theory.