Extra-Virgin?

My usual morning routine has me up before seven. I exercise for thirty minutes on the Wii Fit. I do the morning dishes, make a latte, take a shower and sit in front of the computer. I check e-mail, look for new information on our upcoming cruise and read two message boards. Thanks to the Internet and cruising, Wanda and I have made some very good friends over the last ten years. 

Then I start working on the blog.

Of course this varies slightly. The only constant is my waking up. I hope that happens all seven days of the week. If it didn't, the rest would be rather difficult.

Damn it! We have a small cat hanging around the backyard who thinks our bird feeders are a smorgasbord. A few days ago it was half way up the tree in front trying to get at a hummingbird. The last five years Sparky was living outside. We brought him in a month ago. We're NOT taking on another one. I hate chasing it off but Wanda and I are getting too old for young cat responsibility.

Wanda and I are part of the "middle class".....maybe. I think?

A study released this week defined middle class consumers as those with a household income in the range of 50 percent below a country's average gross household income and 100 percent above a country's average.

I have absolutely no idea what this means. 

I just love the talk of "disposable" income. When last I looked there was a 4" hole in the center of the sink. It's called a garbage disposal. Wanda and I don't have disposable income.

Travel topped the list of middle-class spending priorities over the next 12 months. Looking toward the future, global spending should increase nearly a third by 2020. Six and a half years from now, I'll do my part. I'll be spending more on high fiber products, nasal spray and eye drops.

It's also comforting to know three of the top five middle class home activities are watching television, browsing online and emailing. The other two? Eating? Sleeping? Reading? Talking? Guess I'll wait for Family Feud.

One hundred people were surveyed and the top five answers are on the board.

We use it often so I was very interested in an article about olive oil "myths."

1. Olive Oil was not a virgin when she started going out with Popeye. It's a little known fact that Olive was sleeping with several men (not at the same time) when she was smitten with the spinach eating sailor.

2. If an extra-virgin olive oil "freezes" in the refrigerator, then it's the real thing. Although this info was reveled on the Feb. 11, 2013 episode of the Dr. Oz show it's not necessarily true. According to the executive vice-president of the North American Olive Oil Association many oils turn solid when chilled. It depends of the mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Why would anyone spend good money on cooking oil and put it in the refrigerator? "See, I TOLD you this wasn't virgin. Now, go throw it out."

3. When cooking always use extra-virgin olive oil. In my youth I dated a girl that was extra-virgin but that's another story. No, no, no. This oil has a lower burn temperature. Its smoke point is about 375-405 degrees. Once that temperature is reached the chemical compositions can release peroxides, aldehydes, ketones, and hydroperoxides, all nasty stuff. Also at 365 antioxidants and other good substances are destroyed. This oil is great for salad dressings or some baking.

When cooking at high temperature use an oil with a higher smoke point. Look for "extra-light," "light-tasting," or even just "olive oil."

If you want extra-virgin oil I recommend Mustang Ranch Olive Oil, Virgin free since 1971. "Our oil has been put to the test for over 40 years. We've done things with olive oil you've never thought of."

4. You can't fry with olive oil. Yes you can. We just went over this, are you paying attention or still thinking about the Mustang Ranch? Always use refined olive oil for light frying. If you can't find refined, at least get some with good manners.

5. "Light" or "extra-light" olive oil is lower in calories than other olive oils. MYTH. A misleading marketing term. "Light" or "extra-light" is more accurately in reference to the taste of the oil, which after going through various processes including deodorization, is flavorless and odorless, rather than the caloric or fat content of the oil. 

So, like about any other cooking oil the "light" stuff is 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon. But, this type is odorless and flavorless. No wonder it's more expensive. If you want something really low in calories spend a few extra bucks and buy an empty bottle. 

6. Pure olive oil is better than extra-virgin oil. Another myth, just the opposite is true. Remember 99 and 44/100 percent pure Ivory Soap and Marilyn Chambers? 

I'm still trying to define EXTRA-VIRGIN.

Maybe a woman or man who has never experienced any type of sex and doesn't think about it? 

See you Monday.