Holy cow. India's oldest, biggest nationalist Hindu group, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), plans to introduce a new soft drink made from cow urine.
The radical RSS group has long campaigned against beverages such as Coke and Pepsi, foreign imports that it believes to be a corrupt influence and a symbol of Western imperialism. In India, bovine urine is considered medicinal and is, like the cow itself, seen as sacred, particularly at religious festivals. In some traditional rituals, cow urine is consumed to purify those who belong to the lowest rung of the Hindu caste system. 
Although the group hasn't confirmed flavors or pricing for the drink, to be known as gau jal, or "cow water" in Sanskrit, the elixir will be mixed with aloe vera, gooseberry, and other herbs that allegedly combat diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. The RSS and its offshoots have been promoting gau jal as a cure-all since as early as 2001, but Om Prakash, the head of the RSS's Cow Protection Department, said the drink will be introduced "very soon, maybe by the end of this year." He added:
Don't worry, it won't smell like urine and will be tasty, too. It's going to be very healthy. It won't be like carbonated drinks and would be devoid of any toxins. We're going to give [American soda brands] good competition as our drink is good for mankind. We may also think of exporting it.
How do you feel about this? I think it's disgusting, but at the same time, I've promised myself that I will try anything once. Would you drink cow urine for its purported health benefits?
Most of us hoped to start 2009 on a positive note, but Burger King was seemingly in a furious state of mind: At the beginning of January, the fast food chain introduced the Angry Whopper to its US menus. News of the limited-edition burger, purportedly only available through the end of March, took the Internet by storm. So after hearing the incessant hype surrounding it, I decided to put the burger to the test. To find out how it tastes and see additional photos, read more
On Valentine's Day start your romantic evening with a fizzy, festive cocktail. This drink, appropriately titled "Cupid's Arrow," is made with easy-to-find ingredients like pomegranate juice, orange liquor, and sparkling rose.
If your man won't drink anything too girlie, mix the vibrantly red drink for you and serve him a vodka tonic. With dinner sip a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir or Italian Sangiovese. Pair the chocolate-strawberry cakes with a lush Port or effervescent dessert wine.
For the cocktail recipes, read more
Last night's Top Chef was the final episode filmed in New York City. The remaining five cheftestants created glorified egg dishes and cooked for the culinary elite. Famed French chef Jacques Pepin was the guest judge. Did you watch? More importantly, how well did you pay attention? Find out now when you take my quiz.
Surviving Valentine's Day When You're Coupled Up: Eat! Eating and using food as a way to celebrate is not a new tradition, so use it to your advantage this Valentine's Day! Check out what Patty Brisben has in mind.
Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts. I especially love to order it at restaurants, but the two times I've made it at home, I was utterly disappointed with the results. The ladyfingers fell apart, the custard was runny, the final dish was a soupy mess, and I vowed never to make it again. However, when I saw a recipe in the January issue of Gourmet magazine devoted to classic Italian-American cooking, I decided it was time to face my culinary fears.
I'm glad I did, the final result was scrumptiously successful: a rich, creamy tiramisu with pillowy filling and perfectly moist cake. The technique is simple, but an electric mixer is necessary. It's a great dessert for a dinner party or romantic meal, because it requires six hours of chill time — meaning it must be made in advance. I've added it to my repertoire, and will definitely be making this lovely dessert again. For you to do the same, read more
If you don't know what to get your admirer/sweetheart/best friend/beloved family this Valentine's Day, here are some ideas that'll score you brownie points (pardon the pun). You can't go wrong with a gift box of port-drenched, chocolate-dipped figs (also known to have amorous properties). Dine in love all year round with a cookbook of romantic dinners for two — or win affection with this sweet quartet of bon-bon teaspoons.
For more suggestions, browse the selection below.
Sick of classic potato soup? Consider this scrumptious recipe for an innovative sweet potato variation. The creamy texture comes from evaporated milk and sautéed leeks provide a mild onion flavor.
This vegetarian recipe is garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, but if you have cheddar cheese and chives on hand use those instead. To learn how to make this mouth-watering and filling puree, read more
