From the Olive Grove: Mediterranean Cooking with Olive Oil Paperback – October 26, 2010

It has a few good recipes, but we are vegetarian, thus the meat dishes, which I'm sure are good, don't interest me.

If you don't have the good luck to know a Greek family, deeply tied to their homeland and famous for their wonderfully-cooked family meals, then "From the Olive Grove" will introduce you to that family, their kitchen and make you feel right at home.In their new cookbook, authors Helen Koutalianos and daughter, Anastasia have captured a refreshingly personal and down-to-earth presentation of traditional, flavorful Greek cooking. This book does not put on the typical airs of artistically-styled food shots on every page, or embrace the latest, hottest ingredients popular with foodies, but is a reminder of all the wonderful classics that make up the flavor profile of good Greek cuisine. Starting with the kitchen essential, extra virgin olive oil, affectionately referred to as "liquid sunshine"; and supported by Mediterranean diet staples including fish, lamb, lemon, feta, eggplant, yogurt, cucumber, among other healthy, fresh ingredients.And the authors know of what they speak. As fourth generation, certified-organic olive growers from the Peloponnese region of Greece, they produce Koroneiki-varietal extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar from homegrown Corinthian grapes. And with a family member who is a first generation vegetarian, many of the recipes paid homage to plant-only options.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.Caroline J. Beck, The Olive Oil Source

The book is written by a family of Greek background that has produced olive oil from the family olive grove in Greece for generations. The book if full of Mediterranean - mostly Greek - recipes, many of which are family favorites. The authors share memories or thoughts about each dish as an introduction to each recipe.There are "guest" recipes from chefs who own restaurants that use olive oil supplied by the family. These lend a wonderful, eclectic feel to the book, allowing some quite nouveau recipes to mingle with the classic, family dishes. I mean, where else are you going to find recipes for "Basil Ice Cream with Corinthian Balsamic Caramel" or "Olive Oil Ice Cream with Brandy Cookies in Red Wine Fruit Caramel" - both by guest chefs? After reading those, I was seriously starting to look for ice cream makers on Amazon!Of course, every recipe features olive oil. There is a nice introduction to the book that tells the reader lots of great information about olive oil. (If you want to know more about olive oil that you thought possible, I recommend "Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil" by Tom Mueller. Also, check out the Extra Virginity website).An unusual and unique cookbook. I took this book out of the library and it is now on my wish list.

Amazing recipes! After learning about the rather wild world of olive oil manufacturing (and how many producers are NOT making and distributing this oil ethically), I began taking this cooking staple seriously and invested in some cookbooks to go with my new passion for high quality oils. From the Olive Grove is a fantastic reference, clearly written and with some excellent info at the start on how to choose your olive oil wisely. But it was the incredible collection of recipes that I keep coming back to...My favourites (so far) are the Eggplant Mousaka, the Apple cake and of course, the Spanakopita...I do not fancy myself a chef of epic talents however I've made some spectacular dishes using these recipes, which are simple enough for the layman (plus, my husband keeps asking for more--always a good sign!). A+.

Love this book & Basil Olive Oil!! I've had the fortune to have tasted dishes created from the Koutalianos' recipes, and always get compliments on the flavors, so I had to buy their book. I wish Basil Olive Oil was available in every store in the States. This recipe book is a great way to whip up dishes, with easy to follow instruction. Highly recommend.

If you love Greek food, you have to buy this cookbook! All of the recipes are absolutely delicious. I am Greek myself and love the fact that these recipes are true to tradition - helping me make dishes I remember eating growing up.Well worth the price and will be a cookbook I use forever!

I thought this book was very easy to read and that it had great pictures. It's perfect for family meal recipes.

I'm yet to try the book's recipes (can't wait) BUT if the olive oil they produce at basiloliveoil.com is anything to go by...this book is a must for my kitchen. I hope there's a biscotti recipe in here! Yum & Thank You for the book!

Disappointing . Designed mainly for the American kitchen, with American weights and measures, terminology and ingredients. Also, for the price, it should be hardback.