Product reviews

Food processor vs. blender: Which is the better kitchen tool?

Penelope Wall — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 19:19:40 +0000

I function in an incredibly small kitchen. My constant challenge is finding room for what I really need and getting rid of what I don’t. The other day, I pulled out my blender and my food processor and thought that, maybe, I could lose one.

Don’t Miss: 8 Essential Tools to Have in Your Kitchen

Are “natural” sweeteners really any healthier than sugar?

Nifer — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:29:22 +0000

People often look to me, as a registered dietitian, for my seal of approval as they douse yogurt with agave or flood their coffee with turbinado sugar because “it’s natural.” But you won’t find me giving a nutrition green light to use copious amounts of sugar, regardless of where it comes from. (How much sugar should you be eating?

Is coconut water worth the splurge?

Nifer — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:45:25 +0000

In recent years there has been an explosion of coconut water products available at grocery and convenience stores. If you’ve tasted it, you know that it’s pretty refreshing—even the plain, unflavored coconut waters (or so I think).

And because staying hydrated can make or break your workout performance, it’s not surprising that many athletes and weekend warriors are looking for an extra edge when it comes to their beverage of choice.

Best and worst breakfast sandwiches

Penelope Wall — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:17:32 +0000

Breakfast is important—it fuels your morning and may help keep your hunger in check so you don’t overdo it at lunch. Although making breakfast at home is ideal—you have more control over the ingredients and can make sure you have a healthy, balanced meal—there are times when you need or want to pick up breakfast on the go.

Don’t Miss: 3 Essential Ingredients of a Healthy Breakfast

Light Beer Taste-Test Winners

Erin McCormick — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:50:53 +0000

Nine times out of 10, when I reach for a beer it's something dark, hoppy and (lets be honest) packed with calories. For me, beer is a treat—something to enjoy instead of dessert after a long day of work—and I want one with enough flavor to leave me satisfied. But every once in a while, the thought of something lighter just sounds perfect. It's not that my taste suddenly changes, it's just that the situation does; you know,if you're already enjoying pizza or chips, it's probably a good time to cut back on other extra calories.

The best & worst girl scout cookies

Nifer — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:49:33 +0000

Every year I look forward to the Girl Scouts’ annual cookie sale (um, who doesn’t?!). This year’s sale is more controversial than most, with some people banning the treats in opposition to the organization’s acceptance of a transgendered member, while others are buying more boxes to show their support. I like supporting Girl Scouts and their activities, but, honestly, I think my excitement really stems from the fact that this is the only time of year I can buy these cookies.

6 pots every cook needs

Nifer — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:22:09 +0000

Most weekends in the kitchen of my first apartment in San Francisco I would pull out my Dutch oven (one of the few pots I owned) and make a big steaming cauldron of soup. Everything went into the one pot. When I was done, all I had to clean was my cutting board and that pot. It was so simple, but the soups were satisfying, healthy and delicious.

Which type of yogurt is the healthiest?

Matt Malenczak — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:25:06 +0000

Since I'm not a big milk drinker, yogurt is my preferred form of dairy. Eating yogurt is an easy, tasty way to get some much-needed calcium. Plus it delivers a healthy dose of protein and good-for-you probiotics. (Enjoy it in these Smoothie Recipes and More Healthy Breakfasts with Yogurt.)

Which milk is best to buy?

Matt Malenczak — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:30:05 +0000

The healthiest (and the worst) iced coffee drinks at McDonald’s, Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts

Matt Malenczak — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:38:58 +0000

9 must-have products to go green in the kitchen

Matt Malenczak — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:26:15 +0000

Our favorite tools to survive Thanksgiving

Matt Malenczak — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:04:52 +0000

Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. I love it so much that we not only spend the big day with our family, we also host a Thanksgiving party for our friends the weekend before the real deal so we can have that yummy meal two times each year.

5 great-tasting Cheddars you don’t have to feel bad about eating

Penelope Wall — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:56:17 +0000

If I had to pick the one food that’s my biggest weakness, without question it would be cheese. Every day I include cheese in my breakfast—over-hard egg (like over-easy but with a hard yolk) on whole-grain toast with a little super-sharp Cheddar—and if we have pasta or Mexican for dinner, I’m most likely going to sprinkle a little on top. And I love cheese and crackers for a simple snack. (Find out how to buy the healthiest crackers to snack on.)

5 best kitchen gadgets to give dad

Todd Dunn — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:33:53 +0000

My dad is a gadget guy. (Seriously, have you ever met a dad who wasn't?) He also loves good food. So when it's time to give him a gift for Father’s Day, I like to pick something that satisfies certain requirements: it’s gotta be gadgety, it’s gotta be good and/or useful, and it must indulge his inner “foodie”. With that in mind, and with some help from my colleagues in the EatingWell Test Kitchen, who have tested these products, here are some of our top picks for dads—yours and mine:

Healthy BBQ sauce taste test winner

Todd Dunn — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:25:38 +0000

As a professional recipe tester, I’m all for cooking techniques that produce the best results. But when it comes to good barbecue, sometimes the secret is in the sauce.

Get grilled chicken recipes that will make your mouth water here.

Barbecue sauce can make or break a meal. But it can also make or break your diet—especially many store-bought barbecue sauces, which can be loaded with sodium and sugar.