Oils

There are basically two kinds of oil: those that withstand high heat (and thus can be used for frying) and those that cannot. The first type is generally referred to as cooking oil, the second as salad or seasoning oil. Choose your oils carefully. Neutral oils are preferable for cooking, as well as for some salads; peanut oil and sunflower oil can be used for both, as can corn oil.

Specific oils, especially olive oil, are sometimes called for. Use only the best, cold-pressed olive oil—the results are appreciably better than with less expensive oils.