Poached eggs are among the simplest and most delicate of all egg preparations. Nothing could be simpler, in theory: Crack an egg, slide it into gently simmering water and wait as it coagulates. In practice, the egg might dissipate into the water, leaving the yolk surrounded by a spongy veil of watery whites.

Salt is used to bring out the flavor of many foods, including sweet cookies. Some recipes call for the addition of a pinch or half-teaspoon of salt to cookie dough.

A low-cal, high-protein breakfast option, egg white omelets have a place in many healthful diets. According to the National Institutes of Health website, omelets and other egg dishes made from egg whites can be eaten as a low-calorie alternative to standard omelets.

As a milk product, cream cheese belongs to one of the eight food groups that cause nine of every 10 food allergies, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network website. Approximately one in 40 children younger than 3 have allergies to milk products, notes the FAAN.

Cheddar cheese is a medium hard, yellow to pale white colored cheese with a sharp flavor that varies according to how long the cheese is aged.

Essential nutrients in fortified milk include protein, which helps maintain your muscles and immune system, calcium and vitamin D, which strengthen your bones, and potassium, which regulates your blood pressure.

Individuals may elect to adopt a vegan diet for health, moral or religious reasons. Living a vegan lifestyle is not without challenges, particularly in terms of finding healthy, flavorful alternatives to foods from the restricted categories, including dairy.

The USDA classifies cottage cheese into three varieties, based on the amount of milk fat: regular cottage cheese, lowfat or reduced fat cottage cheese and nonfat or dry curd cottage cheese.

Traditionally made feta contains only 264 calories in 3.5 ounces, lower than all other whole-milk cheeses except ricotta and mozzarella. The lower calorie count stems from the lower fat content, at 21 grams per 3.5 ounces.

Whether you prefer a classic tomato and basil salad with fresh mozzarella, or simply a good string cheese, mozzarella is a beloved Italian delight. It makes the perfect melted topping for pizzas and lasagnas. Unfortunately, full-fat mozzarella cheese can really pack on the calories.

If you love eggs, you don't necessarily have to give them up to follow a healthy diet. A study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in November 2006 found that healthy people can eat eggs up to almost daily without increasing their heart disease risk.

Eggs are both a structural component and a leavening ingredient in brownies, meaning they bind the ingredients as well as add air to help baked goods rise. Without eggs in your brownies, your recipe may turn out differently, but surprisingly good.