Ideas & Tips — Food & Drinks

There is nothing wrong with enjoying ice cream in the winter. As a food, ice cream comes with numerous health benefits. It is both a source of vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D and E and it increases the amount of thrombotonin in the human brain, a hormone attached to our happiness and the reduction of stress. But there are several other reasons for eating ice cream, even in the winter, with perhaps most of all being that it tastes good. Still, if detractors attempt to rain on your pistachio parade, here are other ice cream perks that make eating it at...

For more than 100 years, butter and margarine have railed against each other for the position of America's most preferred spread. The shifting opinions of medical experts, the faithful adherence to traditional cooking habits and the millions of dollars poured into marketing campaigns have all kept the discussion about the two substances alive and heated. While butter has a history that goes as far back as the middle ages where cow's milk was first stirred into a soft solid, margarine is rather young by comparison. First manufactured in 19th century France, margarine's initial rise came largely on account of the...

Whether you are hosting a casual dinner party or celebrating the wedding of your son or daughter, being able to make an appropriate toast is a crucial life skill. While it can be difficult to know just where to start, following some simple tips and tricks will enable you to graciously raise your glass at your next important event. Brevity is the soul of wit: The Wall Street Journal says that no toast should exceed three minutes.  Consider your audience: It's crucial to consider your audience when making a toast. A joke that your former college roommate would find hilarious...

Summer is the perfect season for low-fuss, no-cook food preparation. We love to assemble an elegant cheese plate, which is the perfect party hors d'oeuvres or even simple supper. (We also offer a scaled-down version for your smaller cheese assortments.) Here are our top tips for putting together the perfect arrangement of fromage:  Choose a flavorful cheese: Food Network recommends choosing at least one cheese that packs a big punch in terms of flavor. If you're wary of very strong cheeses, try Manchego, a tasty yet relatively mild option. Spread it with a little honey or served with dried figs...

Feeding an entire family can be expensive, but fortunately there are some budget-friendly options that are also healthy and delicious! Here are some tasty meals to make if you're keeping a close eye on your wallet: Chili: Chili is always a great option when you're watching your budget. For a lower-fat version, try ground turkey instead of beef. Serve it in brilliant stainless steel bowls.  Easy chicken and dumplings: Grab a rotisserie roast chicken and a can of ready-to-bake biscuits from the grocery store on your way home from work, and you're ready to make Southern Living's inexpensive take on an...