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Tag: Extra virgin olive oil

In Love With Chocolate

Posted on February 5, 2020March 27, 2025 by Mary

To me, chocolate represents everything good in life. It has helped me through my darkest hours, given me clarity when I am indecisive, and won hearts when it counts. That is why I cannot imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate. Whether you are wooing a mate or just treating yourself or family, this flourless chocolate cake…

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Picnic Palette

Posted on July 22, 2015May 13, 2024 by Mary

The perfect picnic side dish!

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Immersed in Olive Oil

Posted on October 31, 2014May 21, 2017 by Mary

It’s been a busy month and I am happy to announce that my new enterprise, The Virtuous Olive is up and running. The shop is stocked with fruity oils, natural and flavored. My goal is to bring a taste of the true Italy to your table. These photos are from La Fenice, Galantino’s personal olive…

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Cooking with Chef Leo

Posted on October 1, 2014May 21, 2017 by Mary

My visit to Galantino in Puglia, Italy, was a composition of olive oil familiarization, in-depth visits to Puglia’s cheese makers, ceramists, bread artisans and olive groves and, the fun part, cooking lessons with Galantino’s head chef Leo. I joined a group from Holland who was also there for the same adventure. Each day we prepared…

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The Virtuous Olive

Posted on September 10, 2014May 21, 2017 by Mary

Olive oil is my passion. Food is my passion and travel is my passion. I have decided to combine all these loves into my new business, The Virtuous Olive, and it is here that I am first announcing its launch. After last year’s visit to Puglia, Italy and to a local frantoio, (olive mill), my…

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A Spontaneous Dinner Party

Posted on May 7, 2014December 31, 2017 by Mary

Sometimes you just need to get out of the norm. Last night I planned a dinner party but did not plan the menu, hence a spontaneous dinner! I prefer to cook “with” friends rather than “for” friends. Cooking together is such a personal experience. You get to spend quality time with people you like and…

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Olives – Fruit of the Gods

Posted on June 3, 2013March 10, 2022 by Mary

Olive oil is so – Italian! Its warmth and/or sassiness can jazz up almost any dish, imparting different nuances for whatever food you want to enhance. The Italians are proud of their olive heritage and like to joke that butter is “forbidden” in Pulia. Instead of butter at the table, one often finds a bottle…

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About Mary Knight

Ciao! I’m Mary, a chef with a heart full of French flair, an explorer of the world, a history buff, and a green-thumbed gardener. My love for food, its origins, all things Europe, and the legendary Julia Child has led me to exciting adventures and delicious discoveries. Travel tugs at my heart, leading me to new places to indulge in local delights, explore ancient sites, and learn of secret spots and recipes from the locals.

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