Christina Cooks: Back to the Cutting Board

I hear you. Here she goes again, talking about heart health. Well, you’re right; here I go again. With 1 in 5 deaths resulting from heart disease, I’ll talk about it again and again and again. It’s a tough one, but so easy to solve, it’s almost silly. 90% of heart-related diseases are considered preventable if only we would change our food and lifestyles.

Real, authentic extra virgin olive oil has been a staple of the Mediterranean diet for more years than we can count. Loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols that create heart health, this valuable food deserves a place of honor in every kitchen and on every table.

There’s bread and the bread of Altamura, a small city in Puglia famous for ‘the best bread on earth.’ Heading to the bakery, Panificio de Gesu, I find out it’s true. Mountain-shaped loaves, made from 90-year-old starter; baked fresh all day long are the best on earth. We make some yummy sandwiches from this bread and a loaf from my hometown to showcase the role of healthy breads in our diet.