When you're learning how to cook, there are a number of things you try not to do, and burning your food is one of them. It's time to break the rules because sometimes food just tastes better when burnt.

We're not talking about leaving your chicken in the oven four hours too long (poultry doesn't do well if not cooked perfectly). But if you've burnt your rice, don't throw it out, take a bite. You'll be surprised how good it tastes. But you probably don't want to go overboard on a burnt diet; like most things that taste good, it might not be good for your health.

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  • Lasagna

    There's something unsatisfying about a lasagna that's cooked just through -- it should always be slightly burned. There's a reason people fight for the corner pieces: it's because that's where the burnt cheese and crispy noodles can be found. Give your lasagna a little more time in the oven next time, you won't regret it.

  • Rice

    We're not suggesting that you torch an entire batch of rice, but a little bit of burnt rice is a nice surprise. Next time you burn the bottom of the pot, don't throw it out. It can be the best part. In Korea, there's a <a href="http://korean-cuisine.blogspot.com/2010/09/noo-roong-ji-burnt-rice-snack.html" target="_hplink">popular dish called noo roong ji</a> which is burnt rice served in a bowl of hot water.

  • Pizza

    There's a reason that coal-fired pizza is so popular, it's that black charred crust that has people wanting more. We don't think that an entire pizza served burnt would taste good -- at least not to the majority of people -- but allowing the crusts to get a little blackened is a good call when making pizzas.

  • Kale

    Kale and many other vegetables (like red peppers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts) taste even better when given a nice layer of char. If you've got a grill, throw them on and let them cook until well done. Click<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/13/unusual-foods-to-grill_n_1668747.html" target="_hplink"> here for a specific list</a> of the surprising vegetables we love to char (and some of them we just like to throw on the grill).

  • Toast

    Burning this food is not for everyone; it's a matter of personal preference. But there are some people who feel that the darker their toast is, the better.

  • Hot Dogs

    While some people boil their hot dogs, this processed food is vastly improved when cooked to a nice dark-brown color. It adds to a hot dogs flavor and gives a nice crunch when you bite into it.

  • Cheese

    Burnt cheese usually means that melted cheese is nearby -- and the two together make a magical pairing. We firmly believe that burning the cheese along the edges of a grilled cheese is the best way to take it to the next level. The Greeks know this principle too. They have a traditional dish, called saganaki, that's made of fried cheese which is cooked until it develops a crisp golden exterior; it's delicious.

  • Marshmallows

    If you thought you didn't like burnt food, chances are you've roasted -- and enjoyed -- marshmallows over a fire. Burning marshmallows makes them much more appetizing. And it's crucial for the making of a s'more.

  • Sugar

    We've got just two words to say: Creme Brulee.

  • French Fries

    While you might not want to order your fries burnt to a crisp, it is those crispy pieces that are never left behind on a plate.

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