In Ethiopian cuisine, it's not traditional to follow a meal with a sweet treat. Formal desserts, like ones served in America, virtually don't exist. Instead, many Ethiopians prefer to end their meal with a cooling course of yogurt and cottage cheese. Known as Iab, the mixture is similar to Greece's feta and is actually considered part of the main course. It has a somewhat acidic taste, and counter balances the heat from spicy entree dishes. To give this alternative to dessert a whirl, read more

I have a hard time conceiving of a meal that would cost £100,000 ($205,000), let alone a pot that costs that much. However, German cookware firm Fissler doesn't seem to have a problem with it. Their 11-inch pot is studded with 200 diamonds and has solid gold handles. Fissler is insisting that the $205,000 pot can be used like any other saucepan - only I don't see why you would. That would be like saying you could use a solid gold chain to lock up your bike. It would probably work, but why?!?

Source: Spluch

As tantalizing as the gleaming grease-drenched tops may be, there are folks who are infatuated with the backside of pizzas. Pizza enthusiasts can compare and admire the pizza "upskirts" (as the term is lovingly called) submitted by fellow pizza-goers. I couldn't help but admire a bit o' that backside myself! - Flickr via Slice

The best drink to pair with your Ethiopian meal is Tej. It's known as "honey wine," but is actually a mead that is indigenous produced from pure wild flower honey and specialty hops imported from Ethiopia. It's pale yellow and contains no carbonation. If you can't find a bottle near you, you can purchase it online at brotherhood winery for $11 (thanks HonestMuffin!), or you can do the next best thing and make a batch of your own. read more

When planning your next vacation, why not do something a little off the beaten pack? I don't mean camping in some unheard of destination, I'm talking about a culinary adventure. Instead of choosing a place for its renowned museums, gorgeous beaches, or ancient architecture, select your travel spot based on the local cuisine! If it sounds crazy, think again: culinary vacations are a fast growing trend. Sure you can eat your way through the best restaurants in Paris, New York, and Rome, but wouldn't it be much cooler to stay in a teeny chateau in the French countryside and learn authentic Provencal cooking? Or how about learning to make wine in sun soaked Tuscany? For all that and more scroll through my top ten foodie destinations list and then click on each one for the reason why you need to go there now!

For more on creating your own culinary vacation check out gourmet on tour and cooking in paradise.

Image Source

• Uh-Oh, yet another food recall. This time it's millions of cans of chili sauce, corned beef hash and beef stew from Castleberry. - McClatchy DC
• In a slight departure, here's a story about a sanctuary that houses animals that were once destined for your belly. - New York Times



• Also in the world of animals: Free range chickens raised on organic grains produce richer eggs and tastier meat. - Boston Globe
• Frozen popsicles aren't just for kids. If you think I'm wrong, try popsicles meant to tempt the adult palate like pineapple-cucumber cooler, kiwis 'n' milk, ginger mojito and more. - Houston Chronicle
• Martha's on the cover of Wired and this time she's telling us how to make a wii cake. - GeekSugar
• Love the scents of summer? Don't just breathe them in, drink them up, too. - Los Angeles Times
• Speaking of drinking, here are the top ten rosés for summer dining. - Dallas Morning News
• Here's everything you've ever wanted to know about the mysterious scallop. - Sacramento Bee
• Like Italian pasta, Asian noodles come in all shapes and sizes. - The Oregonian
• Adrien of Next Food Network Star was completely flabbergasted by the fact that Amy won. - Food Network Addict

I've already got a portion of the menu planned for this week's travel party - where the theme takes itself from five countries. The Mexican, Japanese, and Russian rooms will have delicious savory nibbles, dips, and tasty appetizers for guest to enjoy while they mingle. For an element of surprise, create an English cheese tasting platter for the British room. Generally cheese platters consist of Italian, French, or Swiss cheeses, so a platter with nuts, jams, honey, fig crackers, English cheddar, and Stilton will wow guests with your originality. Meaty Cuban sandwiches with pickles and mustard finish up the menu. Head over to Cost Plus World Market to supplement the rooms with sweet treats and exotic bites from the respective countries. For the recipes that will take you around the globe, read more

Much of Ethiopia's cuisine is in the form of stews or wats. These stews are generally paired with a type of flatbread that acts as a serving utensil. For tonight's meal, take your family on a faraway journey to Africa with an authentic chicken stew. Although it takes a little over an hour to prepare, it's simple to make. Serve with a cold beer or sweet Riesling to counteract the spiciness. To travel to Ethiopia in the comfort of your very own kitchen, read more