Bulgur and quinoa are both whole grains that make terrific healthy side dishes. Bulgur is precooked cracked wheat. Because it cooks very quickly, it makes a handy convenience food. Quinoa, technically a seed, comes from a plant native to the Andes and first cultivated by the Incas.

Thinning hair is a common effect of aging, but some people believe olive oil and cloves can help you grow thicker hair. Because such a claim is unsupported by rigorous scientific research, seek your doctor's advice before using it as a hair treatment.

Most foods marketed as microwavable can be cooked in more traditional ways as well. Microwavable rice is no exception. This is the same type of fast-cooking rice that has been around for decades, long before microwaves were a common appliance in homes.

Metabolism is the process by which your body changes food into energy. Simple carbohydrates such as white rice are easy for your body to break down and digest, so they metabolize rather quickly.

Vegans, people who are lactose intolerant and those allergic to the dairy protein casein can enjoy baked treats that call for cow's milk by replacing it with almond milk, which can be purchased or made fresh at home.

Hamburger steak takes simple ground beef patties to a whole new level. Unlike Salisbury steak that is typically prepared with a gravy made from pan drippings and thickened with flour or cornstarch, hamburger steaks rely on seasonings that enhance the flavor of the meat.

Banana bread, like other fruit-based quick breads, is a sweet, hearty treat that is a nice addition to a snack tray, brunch platter and more. Properly baked banana bread is moist, dense and full of flavor. When you mix the batter properly, the bread bakes with a slight crest in the center where it may crack.

When you’re expecting, some of the foods considered safe for adults can be dangerous to your growing baby. If you have a barbecue coming up, you may wonder if charcoal-cooked foods are on the don’t-eat list. Providing that the foods are thoroughly cooked, you can go ahead and enjoy the grilled goodies.

Countertop electric roasters provide a convenient and energy-efficient alternative to the full-sized oven in your kitchen. They're especially useful during large get-togethers, when there are multiple demands on your main oven.

Sugar syrups flavor drinks, top pancakes and sweeten snow cones. They also illustrate a number of fascinating scientific principles such as supersaturation, crystallization and nucleation sites. You might find these scientific concepts less interesting when they ruin a batch of simple syrup you're making, though.

Mousse is meant to have an ethereal, light consistency; in fact, its quality is gauged by its airiness. But tastes differ, and cooks who favor a rich, pudding-like consistency often find classic French mousse a bit light on the palate.

When you are pregnant, eating a well-regulated and healthy diet greatly benefits your body. In turn, a healthy diet benefits your baby, because the nutrients you consume are your baby’s primary nutrition.