5 Ingredients I Can’t Live Without

With there being so many ingredients out there, I love these 5 especially.  Keep a variety of each one on hand to create magical meals!  There is such fun in utilizing ingredients in many different ways and cooking methods.  I’ve excluded the simple pantry staples such as spices, flour, sugar, oils – the ones you normally think of. 

1. Nuts
   • A very healthy snack and so many applications
   • Use as a crunchy topping, contrast of textures, add protein to a dish
   • Make a sauce with soaked nuts, perfect to make vegan sauces and cheeses (flavor with your favorite spices)
2. Fresh herbs – my favorites are rosemary, thyme, sage
   • Herbs can brighten up any dish and take it to the next level; use in food or drinks to create unique combinations; simply having the smell in the kitchen or refrigerator is like a breath of fresh air
3. Low sodium broth
   • This ingredient is so versatile because I can make a quick sauce, soup, to thin a dish out, add flavors; I especially like using this instead of water for grains and rice
   • Other ideas- use to reheat dishes and add moisture (instead of water), deglaze hot pans to keep things from sticking, when making white sauces or cream sauces use some broth to cut back on fat
4. Beans
   • A great source of protein and great vegetarian/vegan meal option; so many to choose from with all different applications
   • Besides making great mexican food, other options are hummus, sandwich spread or dip, pot pies, in cold salads
   • They are so creamy and can easily be whipped into a recipe
5. Cheeses
   • Snack attack, melty gooiness, sharp, ages, creamy, moldy – so many to choose from, there’s an abundance of different cheeses
   • Very unique flavors, shapes, colors from regions all over the world
   • Create a fabulous charcuterie board

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