Long before "Twilight" and "True Blood" and the Modern Age of Vampires, garlic was used as a talisman: a panacea against bad spirits in the Middle Ages and against illness during the Crusades. Even those of us who happily load our soups and stews with dozens of the pale cloves can tell why it was hung across doorways to prevent entrance. Mature garlic can be overwhelming, even relentless; a single raw clove minced on a board is capable of determining the course of an entire meal, whether you want it to or not.

Caviar is rather like Rice Krispies. You can get a lot of snap, crackle and pop as you bite down on those tiny fish eggs; the texture is all part of the fun.

One of the best purchases for your kitchen is a refrigerator thermometer. It's a good check on those temperatures that are so crucial for proper food storage. And though the dial on the inside of the fridge may say one thing, you still need to double-check its accuracy.

Poms for your palm: They are so gorgeous and lifelike, the only thing keeping us from eating these Michael Aram Pomegranate Salt & Pepper Shakers is their chic gold-plate and oxidized bronze finish. Cost: $99; michaelaram.com and select Neiman Marcus and Macy's stores

On the heels of a recent survey showing 60 percent of people have trouble finding accurate food and nutrition information online, the American Dietetic Association has revamped its Web site, hoping to help the public make healthful choices about what we eat and drink.

The gig: The celebrity chef, who is considered a pioneer of California cuisine, manages a vast culinary empire that includes upscale and casual restaurants, prepared foods, cookbooks, television programs and housewares. Puck, 60, said his brand's three privately held divisions -- Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Wolfgang Puck Catering and Wolfgang Puck Worldwide Inc. -- bring in about $350 million in annual revenue. On Sunday, he will cater the Governors Ball after the Academy Awards for the 16th year.