I love cooking...and eating, let's be honest. I put together some of my favorite ingredients that easily transform a dish into something amazing.
Sections
5
Dreamy Spice Blends
The Best Oils
Flavor Bombs
Salts and Peppers
Others
Dreamy Spice Blends
I love a good spice blend. Here are blends I keep buying over and over again because they are that yummy.
This blend will warm you up with its smoky complexity. Sprinkle on chicken or pork before putting it on the grill.
BBQ 3000
There are so many versions of this blend, sure, but Trader Joe's has the best.
Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend
Za'atar is absolutely delightful, and this iteration is particularly nice. A must for those into Middle Eastern cuisines.
Frontier Co-op, Za'atar Seasoning, 1.90 oz (55 g)
This allium-based blend is absolutely delicious on eggs, chicken, and fish. I got some with a gift card. If I could get this on subscription, I would.
Lakeshore Shallot & Herb
The Best Oils
This olive oil is made in the United States, is readily available at stores, and tastes great.
California Olive Ranch Global Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 25.4 fl oz
I'll use avocado oil as a neutral oil for cooking and baking, when I do not want olive oil. It has a high smoke point, which makes it perfect for those applications.
Chosen Foods, 100% Pure Avocado Oil, 8.4 fl oz (250 ml)
I will use grapeseed oil most often as a vegetable oil neutral for baking.
GrapeOla Grape Seed Oil - 34 Fl. Oz.
Flavor Bombs
This is the absolute best fish sauce to add umami to dishes. You only need a little bit to create depth of flavor.
Fish Sauce
Classic. Add a bit of this to the ground beef when making shepherd's pie or meatloaf for a traditional (and yummy) flavor.
Lea & Perrins The Original Worcestershire Sauce, 15 fl oz Bottle
If you only have boxed chicken stock, or no stock at all, put in a spoonful or two of this In your pot.
Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Soup Base - 8oz
I put tomato paste in my taco meats, my marinara, chili, etc. It's better in a tube than a can because usually all that's needed is a tablespoon or so.
Amore, Tomato Paste, 4.5 oz (127 g)
I fell in love with Carolina Gold style BBQ sauce years ago. It's a tangy marinade as well as a finish.
Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
I love how packed with sesame seeds this teriyaki sauce has; otherwise I'd just be adding them anyway.
Soy Vay® Veri Veri Teriyaki® Marinade & Sauce
You might be surprised to see this on my list, but it's delicious on popcorn, dairy free pesto, and salads. It's got a cheesy flavor, and it's super good for you too!
Frontier Co-op, Premium Nutritional Yeast, 3.6 oz (102 g)
Salts and Peppers
I like sea salt over other varieties for most of my cooking, but most aren't iodized. Once I found this one, I switched.
Morton Iodized Sea Salt - 26oz
Instead of pink Himalayan salt, I choose this one as it has plenty of minerals and tastes great.
Redmond, Real Salt®, Ancient Kosher Sea Salt, 16 oz (454 g)
Use a pepper blend of different colors in a pepper mill for the best finished flavor.
Frontier Co-op, Four Peppercorn Blend, Gourmet Peppermill, 16 oz (453 g)
Others
I use bone broth when I cook potatoes, rice, soups, etc. It adds protein AND flavor - so versatile
Kettle & Fire Organic Gluten Free Chicken Bone Broth - 16.9oz
I love making Indian food, so having ghee on hand is a must for more authentic flavor
4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee - 9oz
When making Thai food, it's important to have the right kind of rice
Lundberg Organic Long Grain California White Jasmine Rice - 2lbs
This is the best flour, hands down.
King Arthur Flour Unbleached All-Purpose Flour - 5lbs
