American wine and cheese? Sure. But American olive oil? Absolutely. Its been more than a decade since a California oil won an international competitionin Italy. And upstart American olive-oil producersmany profiled in this bookhavent looked back, creating artisanal oils that now come in first place in tastings worldwide. For those whose knowledge of olive oil remains extra-virgin, author Fran Gage sets out all the essentials: buying and storing high-grade oils, understanding olive oils basic types, evaluating its health benefits, and doing your own olive-oil tasting. She then uses American-produced oils in dishes ranging from rustic to sophisticated. The 75 recipes include crusty snacks (crackers, flatbreads, bruschette), savory sauces (pestos, vinaigrettes, mayonnaises), and scintillating fish, meat, and poultry main courses. For daring tastebuds, theres a sideboard of dessertscakes, cookies, even ice creamthat include olive oil as a main ingredient.