Articles on Food and Drink

Cooking from Scratch: Where's the Work?

Over the past couple of years, I've moved more toward cooking as much from scratch as I can. I've tried to isolate the places where the biggest concentration of work is in cooking

The Five-Day Freeze: Batch Cooking for the Rest of Us

Here are my tips on batch cooking for those who work a full-time job, have tiny ones underfoot, or just generally hate cooking for days at a time.

10 Unhealthiest Restaurants

Eat This, Not That! analyzed and graded 66 different chain restaurants, and came up with a list of America's Unhealthiest Restaurants. It goes to show how easy it is to underestima

Save a Bundle on Your Groceries: Consider Your Local Asian Market

Despite the coupons and the special offers, the major supermarket chains are not cheap. You find a deal now and then, but on the whole they really don’t give you great value for mo

Food, Inc. and the Origins of Your Food: 3 Reasons to Remain Ignorant (Plus Free Movie Screenings)

Food, Inc., a movie detailing the origins and production of food, came to theaters last month. While I'm glad I've become more knowledgeable about food, in light of Food, Inc.'s re

Wine Tastings: Finding Cheap Wine That You Like

There is lots of advice out there on how to save money on drinking by buying this or that wine. But forget that—everyone's tastes are different and one person's "good wine" might b

Supermarket Angst Part III: How to Buy Better Poultry

In my supermarket angst series, I've been researching questions that have puzzled me at the store. This time, I'm tackling poultry. Is organic poultry worth the price premium? What

Wash It Yourself & Other Ways to Save Money on Organic Fruits, Veggies

My children appreciate the added flavor in organic fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Unfortunately, organic products are expensive. The following strategies have helped us to

Teach yourself to cook

Everyone knows that cooking is cheaper and healthier than eating out. It's also better (i.e. more to your taste) than eating out, and easier than eating out (no driving, parking,

Tasty Treats to Make With Mulberries

It’s one of my favorite times of year. The volunteer mulberry trees in my yard have begun popping with mulberries, and the kids have come inside from a morning out in the yard wit

5 Perfectly Respectable Ways To Get A Free Meal

If you’re willing to be patient, gracious, and alert to opportunities, you can enjoy free meals on certain occasions. Here are ways that have worked for me.

Argentine Wine Hack: Make Bad Wine Better

If you open a bottle of wine that just isn't all that great, add some soda water to it. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

A Restaurant Where You Pay What You Can Afford For The Meal?

It sounds like something out a movie, but it’s actually right out of Denver, my home city. And this wonderful idea is not only incredibly innovative and generous, it’s also working

6 Unique Ways to Eat Watermelon

You’ll be surprised at these unique recipes, tips, and delights inspired by the watermelon.

Guest post: Live a rich life on a budget

I have a guest post up at Get Rich Slowly that suggests that you be a bon vivant: "A bon vivant is a person who lives well — someone who enjoys the best things in life, especially

Survivor Island Meal Plans: Use it or Lose It in 5 Easy Steps

Whether you’re a bit strapped for cash, or you’re facing the dreaded task of defrosting your freezer, it’s always good to do a complete “use it up” routine with your food supply.

Foraging for Food: The Hunt For The Wild Mushroom

It’s early May, and the river bottom is full of new life. Not just rabbits, snakes, and chicks, but also brand new morel mushrooms. This tasty treat is as much fun to find as it

Grocery Store Earth Angst -- Tackling Some of Those Questions About Buying for Health and Environment

I spent my Earth Day burning electricity -- by researching online some of the questions that have been nagging me when I try to buy earth-friendly and healthy foods. In this first

Restaurant Menus: Translating Cost and Taste

A well-designed menu is considered an easy way to separate diners from their dollars at a restaurant. Even mom-and-pop restaurants put a lot of time and effort into how they put to

How To Make Your Own Soda, Tidy A Room In Three Minutes, Cure A Hangover And Become A Movie Extra. Phew!

I’m a big fan of Howcast. Their website is a treasure trove of information, and you can also find their videos on popular sites like Metacafe and YouTube. Sometimes their advice is