Get Back to the Roots
November-December 2014

Get Back to the Roots

Root vegetables include tuberous roots and taproots, though not tubers, rhizomes, corms or bulbs. Yet this seemingly small category of vegetable offers a lot of variety. Low in fat and calories, many roots serve as

Chili Peppers Are Hot Stuff
September-October 2014

Chili Peppers Are Hot Stuff

Although chili peppers were cultivated and traded in the Americas for thousands of years, it wasn’t until explorers brought these fiery fruits from the New World back to Europe that their popularity spread. Today, chili

Shake It Up, Buttercup
July-August 2014

Shake It Up, Buttercup

In commercial creameries, butter making follows a similar process: Heavy cream is separated from whole milk by centrifugal force and churned vigorously until the membrane around milkfat breaks down, letting it emulsify naturally into a

A Knife With Chops
July-August 2014

A Knife With Chops

With its long, curved blade and double handles, the mezzaluna may look threatening, but it is actually a remarkably friendly kitchen tool. Built for efficient chopping and mincing, it makes tiresome tasks a breeze, saves

TAGSTOCK1/ iStock / Getty Images Plus
July-August 2014

In the Matter of Milk

From rumors of hormones in milk causing early puberty in girls to lurking residues of antibiotic and cancer-causing agents, milk’s wholesome reputation has been rattled in recent years — giving rise to the organic milk