Does Drinking Ice Water Burn Calories?

Hydration, maybe; weight loss, doubtful. (By Roxanne Webber)

Future on Ice

Defrosting the history of the fridge. (By Eric Slatkin)

Pomegranates, Dried Limes, Rose Water

A primer on Persian, a.k.a. Iranian, food. (By Zoe Singer)

Shaved Ice Treats

Ten frozen concoctions to help you chill out this summer. (By Kate Ramos)

Fancy Tonic Water Not Worth the Fancy Price

This week’s mission: fancy-pants imported tonic water and chips made from slow-baked fruit. (By James Norton)

Is Store-Bought Ice More Germy than Homemade Ice?

Frozen germs are still germs. (By Roxanne Webber)

Italian Ice Cream Trance State

This week’s mission: fake fancy mac ’n' cheese, and real fancy gelato. (By James Norton)

To See a World in a Grain of Dry Ice

Does Chef Heston Blumenthal really find perfection? (By Sara Dickerman)

How Does Magic Shell Ice Cream Topping Work?

Is it indeed magical? (By Michele Foley)

Does Vinegar Make Peeling Hard-Boiled Eggs Easier?

The quest for an easy-peel egg. (By Tiffany Maleshefski)

What Does Beige Taste Like?

The week’s mission: bad chocolate candies, and an iced tea contraption. (By James Norton)

We All Scream

Some of the best and worst ice cream makers. (By Louisa Chu)

What Is Instant Coffee?

Does it come from the same plant as regular coffee? (By Kara Zuaro)

Absinthe Will Get You in Trouble

Absinthe has a pretty elaborate set-up, which is part of the fun. The fact that real absinthe is illegal is beside the point. (By Louisa Chu)

Special Moments with Grim Gruel

This week’s mission: personality-based soft drinks and microwave baked desserts. (By James Norton)