It’s that time of year when the count downs of the year begin.  So I think this year I will jump on the bandwagon and share my favorite Ingredients of 2011.  How I went about choosing these items are two-fold.

First:  I perused my recipes and thought of the new items that I became extremely fond of and will continue to use as long as the companies still make them or the ground still grows them!

Second:  I though of all of the ingredients that are a MUST in my home and that are replaced continually throughout the year.

So enjoy my favorites of 2011…I would love for you to share yours with me.

1.  Brussel Sprouts:  Growing up you could not have paid me to eat these mini-smelly cabbages.  But know they are my favorite thing with eggs, steak and Thanksgiving side.  If you have not jumped on the bandwagon yet, hop on and go them a go.

2.  Pea Shoots:  These fun whimsical veggies are a great replacement for alpha sprouts and a great filler for a salad or side dish.  Best of all they now have them washed and bagged at Trader Joe’s.  Indulge and buy a bag and mix it in with everything.

3.  Mint Chutney:  This Indian condiment has been around forever, but I just recently tried it at an Indian restaurant….now I use it on everything.  I found a great jar of it at the local grocery store in the Indian food section.  I put this on chicken, veggies and eggs.  Look soon for a post on making it from scratch.

4.  Cumin:  This rich smoky spice has been a staple for years in my house and is continually running on empty.  Mexican, Indian, barbeque and much more this spice enhances the flavor of any dish.

5.  Dorat Frozen Garlic Cubes:  As you have read in my posts I love these little ice-cube trays of herbs.  Hardly do I even buy the real thing anymore.  Pull them out of the freezer and pop one in your recipe….

6.  Dorat Frozen Basil Cubes:  same as above.  Love these little cubes, especially in the winter when fresh basil is not right out my door.

7.  Ginger Root:  One of my all time favorites.  Buy a decent size knuckle of this spicy treat and throw it in the freezer.  Any time you need to use ginger, just pull it out and grate it into your recipe.  I little goes a long way.

8.  Liquid Bragg Aminos Liquid:  Again, thank God for this item.  It has let me eat Asian food once again.  Just like Soy Sauce without the sodium or gluten.  Buy the biggest bottle you can!

9.  Coconut Oil:  This sweeter oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil and is also heart healthy.  Just the smell alone will is all you need.  It’s the only way I pop my corn now…

10.  Ground Flax Seed:  Where does one begin on the benefits of this healthy seed.  Throw it in soups, salads, cereal, granola and any baked good for an extra boost of fiber and Omega 3′s.

What are some ingredients you can’t live without?