How Long Can You Keep Dry Spices?

It depends whether they’re whole or ground.

Can You Eat Ornamental Indian Corn?

It adorns holiday tables but seems inedible.

Why Do Onions Make You Cry?

It’s because they’re so irritating.

The New Stealth Vegetarian Restaurant

Meatless eateries strive to be crossover hits, catering to people who no longer see vegetarianism as a hippie lifestyle choice.

Wines that Won't Get You Drunk

Alcohol level is one of the more-discussed subjects in the wine world.

Gingerbread Cookies

Soft, chewy, spicy, and full-flavored.

Smoked Duck and Cherry Pressed Sandwich

A crunchy baguette stuffed with smoked duck, arugula, blue cheese, and cherries.

Roasted Cod with White Beans, Tomato, and Truffle Oil

A tasty fish preparation from chef Eric Ripert.

Basic Tortilla Chips

Salty, crunchy corn chips that are begging to be dunked in salsa or topped with cheese for homemade nachos.

Pasta with Artichoke Pesto

Artichokes, basil, and ricotta combine for an easy pasta sauce or quick dip.

Are You Coming or Not?

Why people don’t RSVP anymore, and why they should.

Is Carbonated Water Bad for You?

It depends on the water in question.

Is Soy Lecithin Bad for You?

And what is it, anyway?

Items You Will Never Need

If only there were a battery-powered column reader to do this for you.

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.