If a recipe calls for cornmeal, you might find yourself in the grain aisle, staring down bags of grits, polenta, coarse cornmeal, fine cornmeal, blue cornmeal, corn flour, and a familiar box of Jiffy.

When you see a box labeled "polenta," you can expect that authentic Italian flavor and consistency. Although you can substitute other types of cornmeal for polenta and vice versa, you may pick up ...

The next time you reach for a box of pre-ground cornmeal, take a second look at that popcorn jar. Why? Because popcorn kernels are just dried corn, and often fresher (and cheaper) than the stuff ...