For years, many people have been looking for the ideal, healthy diet and it may have been in plain sight the whole time. The Mediterranean Diet is one of the newest health food crazes because it allows people to take care of themselves while still feeling satisfied after a meal or snack. People who follow the Mediterranean diet faithfully eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, oily fish, olive oil, and other foods that are low in saturated fat. A minimal amount of wine may also be on the menu for some.This diet has been shown in recent studies by the American Heart Association (or AHA) to reduce many peoples’ chances of heart attack or stroke. This is surprising since many products that were not allowed by heart doctors before have now been given the ok and are a major part of the Mediterranean diet. Products that are high in unsaturated fat, like olive oil, are among those that are now acceptable for recent heart attack victims. These products have been shown to reduce the risk of Type-2 Diabetes, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s disease as long as meats and dairy products are eaten minimally.

Mediterranean Diet, healthy diet 

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Italian Bread Dipping Recipe

An interesting and individual bread dipping recipe can be created by using plenty of imagination and your personal preferences. Italian cuisine makes good use of wonderful herbs and spices, particularly, oregano, garlic and black pepper. The ingredients can always be adjusted to suit. Recreate the Italian restaurant experience in your own home with this wonderful garlic bread dipping recipe.You will need the following:

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Bread dipping is not a new fad, nor is it only found at nice Italian restaurants. In Mediterranean countries a traditional part of the meal includes bread dipping and is completely commonplace, especially so in Greece and Italy. Its popularity is attributed to the enjoyment that comes from the simple ritual of dipping freshly baked bread into oil that has been infused with herbs and spices.

Bread dipping lends itself perfectly to any social gathering at home with friends and family. The usually buffet far of uninspired vegetables and cheese board cannot compare. Imagine an array of freshly Mediterranean bread accompanied by a dip made from superb herbs and spices infused in a bowl of extra virgin olive oil. Your guests will sample a gourmet experience that will not fail to delights them.The uses for bread dips are endless. Use your imagination and create delicious dips that can be used for all the savoury elements of your meal. The flavour of the Mediterranean can be brought to your home by adding
your dipping sauce to pastas, salads and all kinds of meats.

bread dipping appetizer

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Healthy snacks and appetizers that are made from olive oil and good for your heart

Most people associate oil with health problems such as obesity and coronary diseases and are, therefore, loathe to go anywhere near it. But, it is a fact that some oils are actually good for you and certainly only impact on your health in a positive way. The American Heart Association actively encourages the use of olive oil as a healthy alternative to other oils and fats that can increase the risk of heart attacks and associated coronary illnesses. So it makes sense to include olive oil as part of a healthy diet and nutritious diet. Not only is it a safe option to use if trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle but it is full of flavour and can be used for an array of dishes and appetizers. Bread dipping is a great to use olive oil and is delicious.

Because of its simplicity, versatility and taste, many people are choosing bread dipping as a favorite appetizer that can be enjoyed at any time and for any occasion. The reason for this is probably due to the fact that it is full of flavor and takes so little time to prepare. To prepare this nutritious and delicious dish all you have to do is prepare your bread by cutting it into slices, pour some extra virgin olive oil into a dipping dish and you are now able to serve to your guests, or enjoy it own your own as you wish. If you prefer, as a healthy alternative you can prepare some vegetables, either steamed, fresh or grilled and dip them into your oil. You can enjoy bread dipping on its own or add a salad of your choice, or you can prepare it for your party guests, and finally just as a snack with your hungry family.

healthy snack, olive oil bread dipping

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Italian Bread with Eggplant Paste

1 bay leaf
4 peppercorns
2 cups red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup eggplant, cubed
3/4 cup pitted black olives
extra-virgin olive oil
16 slices Italian bread

In a saucepan, mix the garlic, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves with two cups of red wine vinegar and bring to a boil. Cover and allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Add the eggplant and boil for about 2 minutes or until the eggplants are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the mixture and allow to cool. Combine together the olives and eggplant and chop them together with a knife until you have a very fine paste. Now mix in the olive oil until you have a soft paste. Spread the paste onto the Italian bread and sprinkle with salt.

Serve immediately.

Italian Bread with Eggplant Paste

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Fettunta (in Tuscany) or Bruschetta (in Umbria)

Regardless of given name, they are both slices of thick bread that are toasted by means of an oven, grill, or fire. The bread is then drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

Simple Bruschetta recipe

18 pieces crusty Italian bread, 3 x 2 “, 1″ thick 
2 cloves garlic, peeled and cut in half 
18 fresh basil leaves 
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 
salt and pepper
2 large ripe tomatoes cut into 1″ thick slices and halved (about 1 pound)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees, or heat grill. Place the pieces of bread on the shiny side of a piece of aluminum foil or directly on the grill, and toast them for 10 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Arrange the basil leaves on a large platter. Rub both sides of the toasted bread with the cut garlic and place the bread on the basil leaves. Warm the oil in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes. Do not allow it to boil. Pour the warm oil over the bread. Salt and pepper to taste. Place 1 half-slice of tomato on top of each slice of bread and serve immediately. Serves 6. 

bruschetta

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