Gourmet Ingredients

Coconut oil has been touted as being a miracle cure for a variety of ills and as a dangerous dietary source of saturated fat. But is coconut oil truly healthy or unsafe?

Dec 7, 2009 - Bridget Coila

The health benefits of salmon are well known, but which type of salmon is better, what is the difference between fresh or preserved and how should a fresh fish be chosen?

Nov 24, 2009 - Jane Lapon

Gourmet cooking oil labels can be confusing, with things like "cold pressed" or "filtered" leaving consumers unsure what to buy. This guide helps clear up the confusion.

Nov 23, 2009 - Bridget Coila

Black garlic, a form of fermented garlic that is reportedly super rich in antioxidants, also happens to be a current darling of top chefs and foodies.

Nov 23, 2009 - Barbara Jezior

Christmas baskets are most appreciated when they are personalized. Choose wine and cheese or champagne baskets and add something personal to suit the recipient's tastes.

Nov 19, 2009 - Lyn Rasmussen

Cooking with nut oils, from peanut oil to pecan oil, can add a unique flavor to both gourmet and everyday dishes as well as providing healthy nutritional bonuses.

Nov 15, 2009 - Bridget Coila

Fennel is known for its aniseed flavour and its celery-like texture, but its versatility and its nutritional value are what make it such an ideal vegetable.

Nov 12, 2009 - Jane Lapon

Slightly tangy with a much more pronounced lemon scent and taste, Buddah's Hand not only adds great flavor to your food, It can be used as a room freshener!

Nov 6, 2009 - Jackie Milligan

Shrimp is among the most popular seafood choices on the market, but buying fresh shrimp - rather than frozen - comes with its share of hazards.

Nov 3, 2009 - Jeremy Suizo

Chefs like Rachael Ray are helping to make broccoli rabe more popular. Learn about this leafy vegetable and find out how to prepare it like the pros!

Nov 2, 2009 - Sarah Zahn

Fall brings a host of edible mushrooms to farmers markets, specialty grocers and supermarkets that go far beyond the traditional button mushrooms of a past generation.

Nov 1, 2009 - Linda McDonnell

Fish is viable diet addition which is easy to prepare and to obtain in most supermarkets. But It is important to be educated about this fish to make the best purchase.

Nov 1, 2009 - Michelle Barrett

Loved as an aphrodisiac, feared for food poisoning, the oyster is in fact mostly safe and very nutritious but the real secret lies in knowing how to deal with them.

Oct 15, 2009 - Jane Lapon

Whether opened or not, most oils and condiments do have a shelf life, but it may not be as short as one might think.

Oct 9, 2009 - Jane Lapon

There are numerous ways to incorporate goat cheese into existing recipes, as a way to lighten the dish instead of heavier cheeses.

Oct 1, 2009 - Alia Luria

There are many different cooking oils available, and aside from cost and quality there are other important things to consider when deciding which oil to use when cooking.

Sep 27, 2009 - Jane Lapon

Gourmet oils, vinegars and other luxury food items can be costly, but which ones are actually worth paying extra for?

Sep 15, 2009 - Jane Lapon

Bored with recent dinners? The book 1001 Foods You Must Try Before You Die provides a multitude of food options to tantalize even the most jaded tastebuds.

Sep 11, 2009 - Karen Edwards

Caviar is one of the most expensive and elite of gourmet foods. What is the difference between black caviar and red caviar? What is sevruga, osetra, beluga or avruga?

Sep 9, 2009 - Victoria Anisman-Reiner

Vanilla sugar is simply sugar that has been infused with the scent of vanilla pods. Here are some tips as to how it is made and how it can be used in the kitchen.

Sep 4, 2009 - Jo Romero

Natural Unrefined Sea Salt has been produced in Maldon since Saxon times, and is praised by celebrity chefs including Jamie Oliver and Nigel Slater.

Aug 26, 2009 - Joanne E. Brannan

Whether eaten fresh on its own, pickled or dried, no one can deny the luscious texture and flavour of the mango, which makes a welcome addition to any fruit basket.

Aug 3, 2009 - Beverley Ann

No matter what your budget, you'll find something tantalising to take home for the pantry. Chocolates, condiments, spelt - there's something for every palate and pocket.

May 8, 2009 - Beverley Ann

Eggs have gotten a bad rap over the last few years yet recent science has proven that not to be true.

Feb 27, 2009 - Stuart Stein

In ancient times a distinction was made between a substance that increased fertility versus one that simply increased sex drive.

Feb 8, 2009 - Stuart Stein