Spring, summer, fall or winter, very few appetizers are more welcome at the table than a plate of olive oil sprinkled with herbs and accompanied by a basket of delicious bread to mop it all up. In Wichita-area Mediterranean restaurants, such as Bella Luna, Piccadilly, Johnny Carino's and Carrabba's Italian Grill, extra-virgin olive oil plays the starring role in this very basic and good-for-you precursor to the main meal.

Rich in monounsaturated fat, extra-virgin olive oil has a variety of health benefits:

• Offers protection against chronic degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, arthritis and asthma.
• Protects against heart disease.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Provides cardiovascular benefits.
• Reduces high cholesterol.
• Limits the risk of colon and breast cancer.
• Helps prevent belly fat.
• Acts an an anti-inflammatory agent.
• Prevents bone loss.
• Aids gastrointestinal health.

Perhaps the most inviting recipe comes from Carmen's Cafe in Kansas City's Brookside neighborhood. The upscale Italian bistro calls its recipe Italian butter; you'll no doubt call it amazing. And you can make a copycat version of the recipe at home, both easily and inexpensively. Here's how:

Extra-virgin olive oil, warmed
2 tablespoons freshly chopped or julienned basil
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Several shakes red pepper flakes
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients and serve immediately in a warmed bowl. Serve with fresh bread.

Note: Carmen's serves soft Italian bread topped with sesame seeds; at your Wichita-area table, serve crusty bread that's super-soft inside to your family and friends.

Salute!