“Bread and water are standards of graciousness. You don’t withhold it like it’s some treat.” — Martha Keller, Culinary Institute of America… more >>>

We are what we dare to eat

As Fed Ex shrinks the world, medical experts advise us that expanded, diversified diets are healthier for almost everyone. Yet, the odds of anyone trying new foods are determined by one’s youth. After years of studying human inclinations for trying new things ... more >>>

‘Umami-mia’ and other fashion bombs

The average human has 4,600 taste buds on the tongue and another 2,500 elsewhere in the mouth and throat. Different buds detect and analyze five taste signals— sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami.... more >>>

New movement forsakes cooked, processed food

Sheree Clark knows a lot of people think her eating habits are strange. “Every time someone finds out, they have a million questions,” she said. “I don’t mind, though. I like talking about it.... more >>>

Old school beverages get a new school twist

Every year there are numerous new spirits introduced to consumers. It seems like every month there is new vodka to try, and distilleries are popping up all over America. So we decided to take a look at three new trends... more >>>

La Quercia’s prosciutto is buonissimo

Every now and then we Iowans need a gentle reminder from outsiders of just how good we have it when it comes to producing, buying and enjoying quality foods. Chock it up to the overactive sense of humbleness we were born and bred with, not to mention our agriculture roots.... more >>>