Four Things to Spice Up your Cooking

Getting into a cooking rut?
I do all the time, so I've tried from time to time to spice up (intentional punning) my cooking.  But sometimes it's easier to change an already-good recipe, than to find good new ones.

Here are my favorite simple solutions to mix it up!

1.  Almond Extract

Use almond extract to replace anything that calls for vanilla.  My favorites are: icing, white and yellow cakes, homemade ice-cream, hot almond milk instead of hot chocolate, add a dash to whipped cream, or fruit dip to make your sweet delights uncannily unique.

2. Cajun Seasoning (AKA Creole Seasoning)

Add to pretty much anything savory or American.  It's made from a number of different milder peppers, so though adding spiciness, it's still mild enough for most people.  Some of my favorites are: steak, taco meat, hamburgers, beef stew, stir-fry, omelets, (I sometimes will sprinkle a bit on top of pizza, but I realize that's not for everyone.)

3.  Celery

The raw stuff is awesome, and has almost no taste, but once you cook it, it adds a very unique flavor.  Most little kids that will not eat peas, will still eat a little cooked celery.  It is delicious with chicken, and creamy chicken sauces.  I typically boil a stalk or two in water, and add that instead of milk to white sauces.  Some of my favorites are: chicken and dumplings, chicken-a-la king, chicken and gravy, biscuits and gravy, pretty much anything that needs gravy.

I've only recently started experimenting with celery, so let me know any additional things that work or don't.  Some suggestions: pot roast, mashed potatoes, fried, stir fry, soups, etc.

4.  Lemon and Lime Juice.

Salads, seafood, and most mexican food stereotypically benefit from lemon and/or lime juice.

Some other ideas: meat in general (chicken and steak), stir fry, Asian food, sautéed veggies, tacos, etc.