Food Facts & Fun

Wondering whether to use canned vs. fresh jalapeno peppers? Go for the fresh for a stronger flavor. Discover the difference between the different types of peppers, learn more about using peppers in your cooking by trying out these recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Did you ever ask yourself what the difference between jams, jellies, marmalade, and preserves is? Read this article to find out all about these sweet concoctions and how to tell the difference.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Bell peppers are full of nutrients and can be roasted to bring out their inherent sweetness. Learn more about roasting and incorporating them into your favorite recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Rice, the staple of most Asian cuisine, is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world. Read this article for answers to common rice questions. Learn about the different types of rice and get tips for cooking rice perfectly every time.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Do you know how to make your own salad dressing, or know how to incorporate fresh herbs in your salad? Get answers to common salad questions. This article tells you how to create quick, healthy salads and salad dressings, and how to use fresh herbs.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Why do some dessert recipes call for salt? Is it really necessary to add the salt in there?. Discover answers to a variety of salt questions. This article sheds light on salt's use in desserts, salty soups, and reduced sodium foods.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Cream cheese can be used in a variety of foods, from dips to entrees to desserts. Learn tips for easier cooking with cream cheese, substition ideas, easy uses for packaged cream cheese. Find answers and check out these delicious cream cheese recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Knowing the difference among the many types of cream can have a big impact on your recipe. There are several categories of cream, and, to make matters more confusing, what's popular in one part of the country may not even be found in another region. Get the facts about cream and try these recipes.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

In addition to iceberg, most supermarkets offer other varieties of lettuce, such as boston, bibb, and romaine. Read this article to find out more about the different varieties and how to incorporate them into your meals.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Coffee is a great pick-me-up, but how much do you really know about it? Find coffee questions and answers, including how to add flavor to your favorite brew and the best way to store coffee. Learn more here.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Gelatin is an translucent and often unflavored element often used in cooking. Learn what gelatin is, how to measure it for cooking or baking, and how to use it in this article.

Cheese is everywhere. But what exactly is it? Where does it come from, how is it made -- and why is some of it so stinky?

By Shanna Freeman

These days, soda pop is more than just cola and lemon-lime. See our list of 17 obscure brands of soda pop, including Pickle Juice "Sport" and DraCola.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Popcorn is low in fat, high in fiber, and just downright tasty. Learn 20 things you didn't know about popcorn, such as what to call unpopped kernels and popcorn's scientific name.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Henry VIII was known for hosting opulent feasts with every delicacy you could imagine. Read our list of 12 items found at a feast of Henry VIII, including whale meat and grilled beavers' tails!

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Triscuits are a delicious treat and an American cultural phenomenon. In this article, we'll show you behind the scenes from the idea to the production process of this tasty snack food.

By Nancy S. Hughes

The world really has two different meanings for the word fruit. There is the use of the word when you go to the grocery store, and then there's the use of the word by a botanist. Find out if tomatoes make the cut.

As it turns out, beer is not the only factor in the 'beer goggles' effect. And scientists have come up with a fancy formula to prove it -- and let you calculate just how far off you are.

By Julia Layton

Olive oil is one of the most versatile ingredients you'll find at the grocery store. Knowing how it gets from the tree to your table will help you understand how to get the most out of it.

By Gayle A. Alleman

Sure, you could buy garlic at the store. But it's just as easy to grow your own, and it keeps for months. Find out how to plant, harvest and store garlic.

By Gayle A. Alleman

Vinegar is a must-have ingredient for vinaigrettes, marinades, food preservation, or any recipe that needs a little extra kick. You'll be astounded at all the things this seemingly simple condiment can do.

By Gayle A. Alleman

A study published recently in the online version of the journal Nature has been called the "Holy Grail of aging research." Find out if obese humans should switch from white wine to red wine."

By Julia Layton

Good wine is one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur, enjoying a glass of wine can be a sublime experience. Learn the basics of enjoying wine.

By Steve Pitcher

Coming together with a group of fellow wine enthusiasts is a fantastic way to exercise your tasting muscles. Read this article for the details you need to host the perfect wine tasting.

By Steve Pitcher

The main differences between espresso coffee and drip coffee are the fineness of the grind and the brewing time. Read this article to learn about the differences between drip and espresso coffee.