Umami is found in savory dishes. It’s what makes burgers, cheese, and onions so enjoyable to eat. It’s also why monosodium glutamate, an umami-enhancing condiment, became so widely popular for a while. But what is it, how and when was it discovered, and what foods are naturally rich in umami? This article provides a brief history of how umami joined bitter, sweet, sour, and salty to become the fifth unique taste and lists some of the many examples of umami-rich foods. | Read More →

Whether for health, ethical, environmental reasons, or all the above, moving to diet richer in plant-based foods makes sense. Initially, however, you might struggle to plan meals that you and your family will love, especially when there are so many other calls on your time. Fortunately, there are healthy substitutes for meat and dairy that are quick and convenient to use and provide a variety of textures and flavors. This article looks at soy, which is one of the most popular and useful substitutes. | Read More →

Candles have a long history. They have been used in homes, workplaces, and sacred settings for millennia. Now, they are mostly used as decorative items. This article offers a potted history of candles from their earliest known use to the modern day. | Read More →

As winter beckons, shut out the long dark nights, light the fire, and settle down with a tale from the great supernatural short story writers. This article suggests seven spine-chilling short stories from the early masters of the genre. From Poe to Edith Wharton via Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this selection spans the Golden Age of supernatural short fiction. | Read More →

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a beautiful addition to any garden, but it has even more to offer: its flowers are not only fragrant but edible. You can use fresh lavender in your cooking, but the dried variety keeps for much longer, allowing you to enjoy it long after summer has passed. This article tells you how to dry Lavender and provides several ways to use it to make ingredients for baking, desserts, and drinks. | Read More →

There are many advantages to having a wide vocabulary. You’ll find it easier to understand what you read and hear, and, with practice, your writing and speech will become more fluent, precise, and persuasive. It’s easy to see the benefits of this to your working, college, or social life. This article provides tips on how to enrich your vocabulary. | Read More →