The Spice That Binds

A vanilla primer. (By Christy Harrison)

The Secret's in the Spice Mix

National heritages hinge on these exact blends. (By Jason Horn)

Conversation with a Cocktail Epicure

Alberta Straub, once described as “the Alice Waters of booze,” has been mixing up sublime adult beverages made with herbs, spices, and fresh fruits and vegetables for the past six years at San Francisco’s Orbit... (By Lessley Anderson)

Tasting Barolo Chinato

Take Barolo, add spice, and savor. (By Jordan Mackay)

Meal Kits: From Good to Worse

This week’s mission: Just add chicken to two different premade dinners. (By James Norton)

New Species of Cracker Discovered!

This week’s mission: ritzy granola and crunchy focaccia sticks. (By James Norton)

That's Amaro

For some, it’s amore; for others, it’s just bitter. (By Jordan Mackay)

Bogus Butter Bake-Off

This week’s mission: sticks of fake butter, and protein pimped by a famous doctor. (By James Norton)

10 Homemade Food Gifts

Gourmet presents you can afford to give. (By Roxanne Webber)

Toaster Pastries Fit for a Monk

This week’s mission: ready-made meals for gluten allergy sufferers and a healthier alternative to Pop-Tarts. (By James Norton)

Chicken in a Burger Suit

This week’s mission: preseasoned, grillable chicken patties and fancified crackers. (By James Norton)

Emergency Entertaining

Entertain in an instant with these 12 staples. (By Ari Weinzweig)

Cola, Now with Added Bull

This week’s mission: an herbal Pepsi-type drink and a hot, peppery spice mix from Oregon. (By James Norton)

Your Sassafras Has Been Neutered

Sassafras contains safrole, a believed carcinogen — so it’s unlikely that you’ll find any in your root beer. (By Traci Vogel)

10 Things to Cook for One

A bowl of cereal is not dinner. (By Roxanne Webber)