Food and Recipes

Americans eat more than 15 pounds of ice cream each year, but there's more to the creamy, cool concoction than classic vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Check out these 10 unexpected ice cream flavors and ingredients. We dare you to try them!

By Heather Kolich

If you've shopped for cookware lately, you've probably noticed the shocking price range for pots and pans. But does the average cook, just making dinner for the family, gain anything from spending more?

By Julia Layton

What happens when you look over the menu at a restaurant and aren't inspired? If you're in the know and have some finesse, you might be able to grab a special request from the chef.

By Heather Kolich

Sure, you could go out to dinner for Valentine's Day like every other couple. But why not surprise your man with a fantastic dish that'll knock his socks off?

By Christine Venzon

Think your bathroom is your home's most germ-filled spot? Think again. The kitchen earns that distinction, largely because of the sponges we use to clean our dishes and countertops. Luckily, we've got tips on how to keep pesky bacteria in check.

By Mark Boyer

You've butchered a chicken on it, sliced fresh fruit on it and even used it to roll out sugar cookie dough. Your cutting board must be crawling with germs and grime! To keep your family healthy, you've got to keep your cutting board clean.

By Echo Surina

Sea salt is coarser than regular table salt, and foodies rave about the great flavor. In terms of health benefits, though, is sea salt actually better for you?

By Chris Obenschain

Low-sodium salt may sound like the stuff of nonsense, but you'll find it on your grocery aisle shelves next to regular, old table salt. Anything that's low-sodium is better for you, right? Read this before you stock up on low-sodium salt.

By Chris Obenschain

Canned tomatoes come diced, stewed, whole, sauced and in paste. But can one substitute for the other? After all, they're all tomatoes, right?

By Sara Elliott

Does it really matter if your carrots are boiled, steamed or roasted? Actually, it does. But that's the only simple part of the equation. Why would cooking vegetables make them less healthy?

By Julia Layton

The great tomato storage debate seems to be settled by the label on that little package of Romas warning: "Never Refrigerate." Pretty straightforward. Still, many people do just that and claim no ill effects. So, is the warning valid?

By Julia Layton

Granite countertops are a popular choice for many kitchens, but how do you prevent stains from seeping in?

By Debra Ronca

Tomato seeds are teeny-tiny, but they hold a lot of potential. If you extract and dry them properly, you can create your very own heirloom tomatoes and enjoy your favorite varieties from year to year.

By Natalie Kilgore

Tomato puree can serve as a base or add flavor to lots of dishes. What's more, it's quick and easy to prepare. Here's how to add it to your cooking repertoire.

By Sarah Winkler

Pelting unlucky victims with rotten produce is one of our oldest forms of expression. So, where did it start and why?

By Sara Novak

Do you dread the idea of cleaning out your dirty and disorganized refrigerator? With a little preparation, you can turn a messy fridge into a sparkling storage space in no time at all.

By Christine Venzon

Tomatoes in season are some of the most delicious foods on Earth. There are still lots of ways to enjoy their flavor in the off season. You can even try them in place of some common ingredients. Here are five great examples.

By Linda C. Brinson

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and just like your heart, your kitchen needs love, too. Having a clean kitchen could not only keep the stress at bay and make it easier to work, it could also keep you healthy.

By Sara Elliott

We only need between 1,500 and 2,300 mg of sodium -- about one teaspoon of salt -- at most each day. But try as we might, it's hard to hit that goal, because some foods that we frequently eat have a lot more sodium than we realize. What are they?

By Tom Scheve

It seems like granite countertops are all the rage these days, but there are so many other, less expensive options to choose from. Formica is one of those, and the best part? It's oh, so easy to clean.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Unlike regular tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes are available all year. Don't just leave them soaking in the rays for too long -- we've got some irresistible recipes in which sun-dried tomatoes are the stars.

By Meghan E. Smith

Slow cookers are a huge help for busy chefs, but it's easy to load your meals up with too much sodium. Have no fear, though -- with a few substitutions and the right ingredients, you can make your slow-cooked meal healthy and delicious.

By Heather Kolich

Whether you're eating out or cooking at home, it's tough to eat healthy in America today. And because we like convenience, many of the foods we love have surprisingly high sodium contents. So what's a person to do? Is anything good for you anymore?

By Tom Scheve

Now that you're an adult, you know that Happy Meals are anything but happy for your waistline and cholesterol levels. Can you find happiness in the drive-through if you're on a low-sodium diet? We've got some tips.

By Jessica Willis

You chose a salad for lunch, so you're feeling pretty angelic right now. Healthy greens, vitamin-packed tomatoes and calcium-rich cheese won't tarnish your halo. But your salad dressing might. Did you just pour 400 milligrams of sodium on your lunch?

By Gallagher Flinn