Five Must-Have Ingredients That Make a Big Difference

I’m listing five of my must-have ingredients that ensure I can make a flavorful meal, no matter where I’m at or what I’m cooking. They aren’t super exotic or expensive, but they are a bit of an upgrade. Think of them as a “little luxury.” These are ingredients that are always in my home, and you can bet I’m packing them if I’m headed to a lake house or a cabin for the weekend.

Little Luxury #1: Fresh Herbs

My personal must-haves are basil, parsley, mint, lemon balm and thyme. 

1. Affordable way to elevate your meals. One plant of each can last you all summer long. Some of them will even come back year after year. 
2. There are so many uses for them. Mix them into salads, make a green smoothie; use them instead of dried spices in cooking for a brighter, fresher flavor. You can also make a quick pesto, chimichurri or gremolata to brighten up a bland meal. I also love to add some fresh mint or lemon balm to my water to create an at-home spa vibe.
3. Turn your meal into a vitamin with herbs— herbs are packed with micronutrients. Adding fresh herbs to your cooking is a no-fuss way to not only make your food taste better, but also be more nutritious. 

Little Luxury #2: Flaky Salt

I keep 2 boxes of Maldon sea salt on hand: Classic & Smoky

1. Versatile with sweet and savory dishes. I love it sprinkled on top of grilled vegetables, roasted meats or even chocolate chip cookies. It’s fun sprinkled on fruit too. Try it on a slice of watermelon and you’ll be convinced.
2. You only need a little bit, right at the end of cooking. Because of its coarser texture, it dissolves slowly, adding the perfect pop of salinity.
3. Flaky salt adds texture, contrast and a little bit of drama, making it an easy way to alchemize everything from breakfast to dessert.

Little Luxury #3: A Good Bottle of Olive Oil

A good bottle of olive oil is an absolute necessity. Lately I’ve been loving this Georgia Grown olive oil. It’s cold-pressed and fruity with a peppery finish.

1. It’s meant to be used! A good olive oil is meant to elevate everyday occasions— it’s not just for special occasions and holidays. It’s like a magic wand— drizzle it over the top of everything from soft-scrambled eggs to lentil soup. Your meal will instantly feel elevated.
2. Olive oil helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K will not be absorbed in your body without the help of fat, so olive oil isn’t just delicious, it’s functional.
3. Adds Richness, Both in Flavor and Feel. A drizzle of finishing olive oil brings layered, nuanced flavor—peppery, fruity, grassy—depending on the variety. It also adds a luxurious mouthfeel that makes any dish feel more complete, without needing extra work.

Little Luxury #4: Fresh Citrus

You should always have at least one lemon and one lime in your fridge. Oranges are also highly recommended.

1. It’s an instant flavor boost. A squeeze of lemon or lime can wake up just about anything from a salad to grilled veggies, even a simple glass of water.
2. Super versatile— use it to alchemize your marinades, vinaigrettes or sauces.
3. Citrus zest can brighten and add depth to your baked goods, as well as dishes like jambalaya. Just remember, a little goes a long way!

Little Luxury #5: Local Raw and Unfiltered Honey

Adds a touch of sweetness that you can feel good about.

1. Adds a complex, floral flavor depending on the variety of honey you buy. The flavor of local honey reflects the herbs, flowers and fruit trees in your area. This is something that commercial honeys just can’t compete with.
2. Balances salty, spicy, bitter or acidic dishes. Drizzle it into a sauce, marinade or vinaigrette to achieve a deeper balance of flavor. 
3. Using raw and unfiltered local honey is a great alternative to using granulated sugar. Granulated sugar has been stripped of all its nutrients, while natural sweeteners still contain antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.

Final Thoughts

I focused on these 5 flavor categories: herbaceous, salty, fatty, acidic and sweet, because they are the building blocks of a delicious meal. If you start with high-quality ingredients in each of these categories, your job as a cook is going to be so much easier. You have to do a lot less work when you’re making a meal if your ingredients already taste good. Experiment and play with the proportions of these flavor categories. Once you’re comfortable with them you’ll find you can whip up a delicious meal anywhere, anytime.