Olive oil isn’t just a kitchen essential — it’s a wellness powerhouse. Experts say it may help lower your risk of heart disease, tame inflammation and even support longevity. And let’s be honest: It’s downright delicious. Food Network star and Italian clean-cooking queen Giada De Laurentiis told Bon Appetit that her favorite pantry staple is $16 Lucini Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Celebrity-endorsed, affordable and available at Amazon? Sounds like stocking-stuffer gold if you ask us!
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A drizzle of this liquid gold will elevate salads, roasted veggies and everything in between. It’s vegan, kosher and paleo-friendly.
$21 at Amazon
You might think that a celebrity chef like De Laurentiis uses only ultra-high-end extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) imported from Italy. Well, think again: Lucini is $16 for a 16.9-ounce bottle. Oh, and it’s actually made in Argentina! This bottle has “last minute gift” written all over it, especially for any home chefs in your life.
EVOO isn’t your run-of-the-mill olive oil. It’s made from the first cold-pressing of the olives — a time-consuming process — so it’s unrefined, as well as purer, tastier, healthier and even lighter in color. It’s the the only kind many health-conscious foodies would ever use for dripping and drizzling (and, in many cases, cooking).
“There’s no such thing as too much olive oil,” says Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis. (We agree!) (NBC via Getty Images)
Of course, that means EVOO is usually more expensive than other olive oil, but Lucini’s price point is totally reasonable for something so frequently used in the kitchen.
De Laurentiis told Bon Appetit that she uses Lucini on “almost everything,” including salads and even her morning oatmeal. “There’s no such thing as too much olive oil,” she said. And since De Laurentiis is Italian, you know she takes her olive oil seriously.
Some argue that EVOO shouldn’t be used for cooking — only dressing and garnishing — but De Laurentiis proudly cooks with it, as does her (very opinionated) fellow famous chef Gordon Ramsay. Even the Culinary Institute of America recommends cooking with EVOO.
And then there are all the little-known foods and dishes you can garnish with EVOO. Nope, it’s not just salads — you can pour it on ice cream, drizzle it on cheese and even sprinkle it on a fruit salad.
Amazon shoppers love Lucini’s myriad uses, but they mostly love the price. “This is one of my favorite olive oils to cook with and to use on salads as well. Great flavor that’s not overpowering and great price as well,” wrote a satisfied foodie.
Another buyer explained why De Laurentiis may opt to use an Argentinian EVOO instead of one from her motherland. “Excellent olive oil. Not strong, just right. The region of Mendoza, Argentina, has great wine and olives,” they said.
One shopper warned that cooking with it on high heat can cause the taste to change. “Best fresh olive taste! We only use it on salads and add it to entrees before serving. Overheating lessens the flavor.”
“Caught this on sale and while still fresh,” said a final fan. “Totally delicious in salad dressing. A little meek in hummus and baba ghanoush, but no harm done.”
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Lucini is imported not from Italy, but Argentina — and it stands up to the best Italian olive oils, fans say.
$21 at Amazon
Another Food Network star kitchen essential? Ina Garten’s beloved cast iron skillet, which also arrives before Christmas:
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The Barefoot Contessa herself is a fan of this heavy-duty pan, made of durable cast iron and designed to last for eons. It comes pre-seasoned, so you can start cooking right away.
Read our full Lodge Cast Iron Skillet review for more.
$25 at Amazon
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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Dining and Cooking