Brussels Sprouts resemble tiny little cabbages, so it's no surprise the two are closely related. These round cruciferous veggies are thought to be native to Belgium, specifically to a region near its capital, Brussels, hence the name.Typically sage green in color (occasionally you'll find a red-hued variety), when perfectly cooked these sprouts have a crisp, dense texture and an earthy, slightly bitter taste. Unfortunately, often times they are overcooked, losing much of their allure (by emitting a sulphuric smell and turning to mush). Oftentimes you'll find brussels sprouts sold separately but can sometimes find them still attached to the stem.

Here in Spain, a lot of celebrating is about to take off: Christmas Eve is around the corner, often celebrated with family feasting; Christmas Day comes and we enjoy a large Spanish-style lunch; Sant Esteve in Catalonia which is held on the 26th involves another long lunch and usually canellonis. After this three-day marathon of indulgence, there is a minor break until New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and then King's Day on the 6th of January, all equally celebratory. What's the thread that ties it all together? Cava.

Yup, it’s officially winter out there. But you still want to grow your culinary herbs, darn it! Don’t fret, you can easily bring your outdoor herbs indoors for the nippy months. We’ve got five simple tips for growing those herbs indoors throughout the winter season.

The late Mel Torme co-wrote one of the most popular holiday songs ever; even if you don't recognize it by its name, "The Christmas Song," you surely recognize those famous lyrics: "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping on your nose…"

We all know the type. Some of you might even fit the bill: pushy, dogmatic, demanding, obnoxious. No, I'm not talking about the Tea Party. I'm referring to Chocoholics.

The fanatical behavior of chocolate lovers can feel overwhelming and possibly even a bit mental. Still, there's no denying that chocolate is magical. Chocolate is a gourmand's darling, being paired with bacon, beer and cheeses. You'll also find it added to body care products, candles and alcohol.

A Canada based biotech company is seeking approval to be able to sell a genetically modified apple in the U.S. designed to take much longer to turn brown once sliced. Citing that this GMO apple would improve sales and consumption in American markets, the company is being met with resistance from U.S. apple growers who are weary of the product.

This year, we've decided making our holiday gifts sounds like carols to our ears. That said, we're all pretty busy people with certain limited budgets. So, we're bringing you a series of Do-It-Yourself gifts that take those things into consideration and deliver thoughtful, healthy and beautiful gifts to pamper and nourish your loved ones. Here's Number One!

This creamy, sweet festive drink is pure holiday comfort. Your family won't believe it's dairy-free and actually good for you!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 cups Almond Cream*, unsweetened
1/2 cup date paste (dates blended with a little water)
2 Tbsp grade B maple syrup
2 frozen bananas
2 tsp flax seed oil (*optional)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp nutmeg plus additional for sprinkling
1/4 tsp cinnamon

"Lose Weight by Eating Junk Food!" It's a headline made for America. Eat a diet of snack cakes, cheesy chips and sugary cereals and lose weight without lifting a finger or a head of broccoli.

Professor Haub of Kansas State University made waves in the nutrition media lately for dropping 27 pounds in ten weeks on what has been dubbed the "Twinkie Diet."

Growing up without Christmas was brutal. Each night for eight long and depressing nights, my parents would dole out gifts more boring than the last. Sweaters, books and, yawn, pajamas, all while my friends got Barbie houses and roller skates on perfect, snowy, Christmas morning. If there was one saving grace to the Hanukkah blues, it was most definitely those crispy, tasty, potato latkes.

The holiday season is often synonymous with excess and splurging, but is that really the true spirit of giving? Seems like taking into account our impact on the planet is at least as important a gift as that new tie you just bought your Dad. Green your holiday this year with these easy tips.

You don't get to be the Heavyweight Champion of the world by being predictable. This is doubly true for Mike Tyson, who is rumored to be discussing plans to open a Kosher and vegan restaurant. You read right. The Champ chomps tofu and he wants you to join him.

The average American eats more sugar in one day than our ancestors did during an entire lifetime. They prized sugary foods for their abundant calories and quick energy spike. Thus, now we are wired to reach for the cookie jar over and over and over – even though we have no lions to outrun.

This is important skin care info for two reasons: First, that tube of discontinued mascara that you bust out for special occasions (because it's just that good) - though you bought it ten years ago - has got to go! And maybe a few other of your beloved cosmetics. Second, because we're devoted to bringing our beauty about in the most natural way possible, it becomes even more important to stay on top of the expiration dates (self-appointed) of our makeup.

We love food. Period. So, we’re always on the search for the nouveau, the bold and the brave tastebud sensations. And while we swerve on the side of healthy fare, we're not averse to a little “wow” factor or even danger when discovering new recipes – not to say we’d actually eat these things so much as gawk at them. Still, that doesn't make it any less interesting to learn of foodstuffs from around the globe whose ingredients are potentially hazardous, revolting or even deadly – but can still be healthy too! From the exotic to the everyday, here are 10 healthy recipes to die for. Literally.

Once upon a time, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. And while these days I'm betting most of us would rather get our hands on 24 karats over 24 ounces - a bar over a stick - this bark-cum-spice has just as much bite as it does bark. The potential health benefits attributable to cinnamon could be stated as nothing short of astonishing.