Even before people thought of putting it in food, lavender was casting its spell. It has been cultivated since the beginning of recorded time.

A trifle is the perfect showstopper for any table.

A trifle is the perfect showstopper for any table.

Though it was not part of the last Olympics, olive oil wrestling is the national sport of Turkey, where an annual tournament has been held since 1346, making it the oldest continuously running, sanctioned sporting competition in the world.

Though it was not part of the last Olympics, olive oil wrestling is the national sport of Turkey, where an annual tournament has been held since 1346, making it the oldest continuously running, sanctioned sporting competition in the world.

Whipped cream, after all, is one of the most decadent preparations of all time. For that matter, even when not whipped, cream, as an ingredient, cannot be beat.

The cast-iron skillet, an implement with ancient roots, that has made a comeback in contemporary kitchens.

The cast-iron skillet, an implement with ancient roots, that has made a comeback in contemporary kitchens.

The origin of hummus is something of a mystery. Some antique cookbooks suggest it was invented in the 12h century for the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria. The name itself derives from the Arabic word for chickpeas.

The origin of hummus is something of a mystery. Some antique cookbooks suggest it was invented in the 12h century for the first Sultan of Egypt and Syria. The name itself derives from the Arabic word for chickpeas.