Food and Recipes

Some foods are easy to recognize on your plate, but what about a microscopic view? Check out this image gallery and try to see how well you know your foods up close and personal.

By Marianne Spoon

The versatile egg packs protein and taste inside a tidy little shell. You might think you've mastered the art of cooking eggs, but we've got some insider tips. From perfecting an omelet to hard-boiling advice, let's get cracking.

By Chris Obenschain

Nowadays, you don't have to be invited to a wedding reception to see a really creative cake. Inventive decorating techniques are letting even novice cake decorators build innovative cakes.

By Sara Elliott

Unleavened breads have been around longer than most other foods on the market today, but people don't pay much attention. You may be surprised to learn that many breads you eat are unleavened.

By Sara Elliott

Have an extra piece of cake -- it's really just bread, right? You're more right than you know. Cakes started out as sweet breads, and now they're a part of cultures around the world.

By Sara Elliott

Whether you're baking a cake for a child's birthday or as a housewarming gift for friends, you want the cake to look as good as it tastes. These essentials will help you achieve confection perfection.

By Chris Obenschain

When you think of cake, the usual suspects come to mind: butter, sugar, flour, eggs and maybe some chocolate. But would you consider adding hot peppers, soda, or even some pasta to your baking masterpiece?

By Emilie Sennebogen

You would think that a simple solution for vegetarians would be to use a meat substitute in their diet that provides the same amount of protein without the use of animals. But is it appetizing -- or even safe to eat?

By Emilie Sennebogen

Symbolic foods are an integral part of the festivities surrounding Chinese New Year, the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar.

Nicely pleated and well-stuffed Chinese dumplings are flavor-filled pillows worthy of main meal status. They're not hard to prepare, despite how it may look, and dumplings are a Chinese New Year's treat that's a great appetizer or side dish year round.

By Sara Elliott

Some fans of Chinese food are content to stick with basic sauces and spices common to this type of cuisine. Others wish to branch out and try new flavors. Check out our list of 10 sauces and spices to suit both of these preferences.

By Alia Hoyt & Sara Elliott

Chinese New Year is made up of a rich fabric of symbols, traditions and superstitions designed to influence the future. With a cultural heritage that spans more than 5,000 years, it's a 15-day celebration filled food that may shape your future.

By Sara Elliott & Francisco Guzman

For your next meal, will you be dining on last night's leftovers or munching on moldy meats and fetid vegetables? How can you tell when it's time to throw out the leftovers? Don't trust your nose to tell you.

By Chris Obenschain

Steak is a classic eyes-bigger-than-your-stomach food. Most people think they can finish the huge juicy goodness of a 24-ounce steak, but more often than not, they can't. What do you do with all of the leftover steak?

By Sara Elliott & Gallagher Flinn

Few people will dispute the fact that foods like French fries and pancakes are best eaten hot from the deep fryer or griddle, but some day-old foods actually taste better than fresh ones. Which ones made our list?

By Alia Hoyt & Danielle Fisher

In TLC's "Ultimate Cake Off," you'll see the greatest cake artists in the world. Check out our collection of pictures and see what we mean.

Immigrants settled in the United States and flooded the country with foods, methods of preparation and recipes native to their home country. The culmination of all of these influences has made up the varied and delicious American cuisine we have today.

By Emilie Sennebogen

If you're throwing a cocktail party, the biggest part of your budget goes toward the cocktails. After you buy the liquor, wine and beer, how can you make do with minimal funds for food? We've got some ideas.

By Victoria Vogt

Throwing a memorable cocktail party doesn't have to be a costly celebration. Try these tips for planning the perfect party without breaking your budget.

By Sara Elliott

Picking the right drink to pair with your dish can sometimes mean the difference between a memorable meal and a dinnertime disaster. Which drinks should you choose to enhance the flavors of your favorite food?

By Emilie Sennebogen

If you're feeling down and out, your diet may be partially to blame. Next time you're in a funk, reach for one of these five mood-enhancing foods.

By Chris Obenschain

Just because children are too young to drink alcohol doesn't mean they have to be limited to boring beverages. These ideas for kiddie cocktails let children safely celebrate with the grown-ups.

By Sara Elliott

If you've ever woken up to a pounding headache and a nauseous stomach, then you know how bad a hangover can be. But what drinks cause the worst hangovers?

By Sara Elliott

Serving champagne properly is more than pouring it into a glass -- it takes preparation and practice. How can you serve up this bubbly beverage the right way at your next celebration?

By Emilie Sennebogen

Home meal delivery services take the guesswork out of dieting, but do they really deliver the goods? The short answer is yes -- and no. While they do have many advantages, they may not have long-lasting effects.

By Sara Elliott