Food : NPR

Handy Tomato Recipes From A Celebrity Chef

July 31, 2010 • Scott Conant, renowned chef and host of the Food Network series 24 Hour Restaurant Battle, shares some of his favorite tomato recipes with guest host Jacki Lyden.

'Ripe': One Man's Quest For The Perfect Tomato

July 30, 2010 • Once upon a time, tomatoes were considered poisonous, even dangerous. But gradually, the plump produce made its way into our homes and onto our plates. Arthur Allen tells the story of the tomato's redemption, popularization and eventual modification in his book, Ripe: The Search For The Perfect Tomato.

U.S. Is A Spicier Nation (Literally) Since 1970s

New Spice: Piquant spices that were once hard to find in most of the United States are now available in many groceries and online. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption

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Alex Wong/Getty Images

U.S. Is A Spicier Nation (Literally) Since 1970s

July 30, 2010 • Americans' spice consumption has grown almost three times as fast as the population in recent decades. Much of that growth is due to the country's changing demographics. Now, flavors that were once exotic and rare are found on the shelves in many groceries.

Senators Call On FDA To Rule On Alcoholic Energy Drinks

MillerCoors took the caffeine out of their alcoholic drink, Sparks, but others still make the combo. Reed Saxon/AP hide caption

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Reed Saxon/AP

Senators Call On FDA To Rule On Alcoholic Energy Drinks

July 29, 2010 • Eight months ago, the Food and Drug Administration asked makers of beverages containing alcohol and caffeine to prove the drinks are safe. So far, nothing's been made public.

Eating More Meat, White Or Red, Is Bad For The Waistline

It's not just red meat or processed meat, eating too much chicken can make you gain weight, too. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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iStockphoto.com

Eating More Meat, White Or Red, Is Bad For The Waistline

July 29, 2010 • People who ate the equivalent of one big steak a day gained four more pounds over five years than those who ate less meat. That's according to a new analysis of a major European diet study.

The Mustard Museum: Passion For A Condiment

July 29, 2010 • Summer is full of distinctive flavors, but one condiment stands above them all: mustard. Hot dogs just aren't the same without it. And in Wisconsin, there's a museum devoted to the simple spread. It all started with one man collecting unique mustards.

Report Asks: What's Lurking In Your Stadium Food?

July 28, 2010 • Michele Norris talks to Paula Lavigne about her recent report for ESPN's Outside the Lines. In that story, "What's Lurking In Your Stadium Food," Lavigne examined the health inspection reports for all the stadiums used by the NBA, NHL, NFL and Major League Baseball.

Coffee Aliases Give Cup of 'Joe' New Meaning

That guy in front of you at the coffee shop might not actually be named "Bob." Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

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Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Coffee Aliases Give Cup of 'Joe' New Meaning

July 28, 2010 • When Shefali Kulkarni, a reporting fellow at the Village Voice in New York City, is asked for her name while ordering coffee at Starbucks, she tells the barista a little fib. She uses "Sheila," her "coffee name." Michele Norris asks her why.

Susan Russo for NPR

Have Your Limoncello And Eat It, Too

July 28, 2010 • Although traditionally served as an after-dinner sipper, this Italian liqueur is perfectly suited for any time of day -- particularly in a cocktail. But don't just drink it. Make your own, then use it for cooking and baking to impart creamy, lemony flavor without a lot of acidity.

Would You Like A Little Bacon In That Martini?

July 25, 2010 • At restaurants across the country, the dinner menu has been bleeding not so subtly onto the cocktail list. Here's a quick lesson in making meat-flavored liquors -- and what to do with them after that.

Gulf Fisheries' Future In Doubt

July 25, 2010 • Many fishermen and their boats are now working with BP in the oil spill cleanup effort, and the coastal waters which provide some of the most productive fishing are still closed. Even after all the oil is gone, it will likely be years before the Gulf fishing industry is as productive as it once was.

Your Olive Oil May Not Be The Virgin It Claims

To be extra-virgin, olive oil can't be doctored with lesser oils. iStockphoto.com hide caption

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iStockphoto.com

Your Olive Oil May Not Be The Virgin It Claims

Capital Public Radio

July 24, 2010 • The next time you reach for a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil, beware. A new study from the University of California-Davis found that more than two-thirds of random samples of extra-virgin olive oil didn't make the grade.

Wavering Euro Makes Store Owners Do The Math

When the dollar started loosing against the euro, the Chinese were buying large quantities of European milk. It pushed up the prices of European cheeses -- creating angst for specialty food owners. Anthony Brooks/NPR hide caption

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Anthony Brooks/NPR