Food Facts & Fun

Special occasions call for extra effort -- think about prom dresses, bridal gowns and anniversary outfits. Food is no different. Sometimes it needs to look especially good -- and that's where plating comes in.

By Alison Cooper

The key to any good apocalypse plan is a stash of foods that are loaded down with additives and preservatives. These five products probably won't survive an atomic blast, true, but you'll be much better off with them than with a crate of broccoli.

By Alison Cooper

A day at the beach is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but nothing can stress you out faster than going hungry after all that swimming and running around. Luckily, we've got a few snack ideas for your trip down the shore.

By Linda C. Brinson

Sponge cakes, pound cakes -- they're all sweet and delicious, so what's the big difference? With a few ingredient tweaks, you can go from light and fluffy to buttery and filling.

By Cherise Threewitt

Combining ingredients like eggs, Worcestershire sauce and maybe even anchovies seems like a dangerous tack to take when making a salad, but it's boldness that makes culinary history. Who invented the romaine-based delight that is a Caesar salad?

By Jessika Toothman

If you've never eaten food that has a strong, pungent aroma, it might be tough to see the appeal. But many connoisseurs can't get enough of the so-called stinky cheese varieties. Which ones are most revered -- and most flavorful?

By Sarah Grace McCandless

Americans are fiercely protective and passionate about beloved foods and recipes -- and especially so when it comes to baked goods. What are some of our favorite regional dishes, hot out of the oven?

By Cherise Threewitt

Americans love frozen desserts. But ask someone what the difference is between ice cream, gelato, frozen custard and frozen yogurt and you'll probably get a blank stare. So how do these popular treats differ?

By Stephanie Vermillion

We eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- and can't get enough! Whether you take yours hot or cold, loaded down with deli meat or spread with gourmet jellies, there's no arguing that sammies are here to stay.

By Echo Surina

When city-dwellers have to eat on the run, we hit the nearest hot dog cart or taco stand. Street food is plentiful in bustling metropolises, and the cuisine will transport you to places like Greece and Old World Vienna.

By Oisin Curran

Willy Wonka may have developed a number of unusual chocolate-covered inventions at his famous factory, but even his strangest confections can't beat some real-life combinations people are trying.

By Cherise Threewitt

Neighbors may not meet over the outdoor clothesline anymore, but that doesn't mean we have to ignore them completely. Want to create a few fun summer memories while getting to know the people you're sharing the community with? Throw a block party.

By Sara Elliott

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

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

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

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

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.

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

There's no good reason to cook a choice cut of meat without seasoning it. Doctoring up your favorite foods with a little flavor transforms meals. These 10 marinades, brines and rubs are a cinch to make.

By Echo Surina

Although many people turn to salads for a healthy meal, one simple thing can ruin good intentions -- the salad dressing. To help cut back on the fat, we have ten easy-to-make dressings that can keep your greens healthy and great-tasting.

By Kim Williamson