Favorite Things: Building Blocks for Cooking

So I thought I would share some of my favorite things since it is the season, right? I will start with my favorite building blocks for cooking. These are my essentials! 

#1 Ghee

This is clarified butter. It is butter that has been simmered a long time and the milk fats are then removed which makes it easier to digest by some of us with dairy allergies. Ghee still maintains all the wonderful nutritional benefits of butter (as long as it is from grass-fed cows). It is flavorful and satisfying.

Here is a link to a couple of brands I order off Amazon although you may be able to find some locally which would be great. 

Viva Naturals Ghee: http://amzn.to/2AC6wbs

Tinstar Foods Ghee (Made in Texas): http://amzn.to/2AUll68

#2 Sea Salt

Seems pretty simple but not only do I season my food with sea salt but I also add to my daily water intake. Yep! I drink salt water! It is so nourishing for those of us who are managing stressful lifestyles. Our adrenal glands produce the hormone, Aldosterone. This hormone helps to regulate our body fluids and electrolytes which includes sodium. So if your adrenals are running on empty then sea salt could be very beneficial to help adrenals maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. 

Here is a good brand but really it is good to try different kinds of sea salts. Each naturally contain various blends of minerals. 

Redmond Real Salt: http://amzn.to/2ASHRw1

#3 Garlic

Yes, another simple one but I really could not cook without it. Well, I could but my meals would be pretty bland. During this time of year, especially, use all the garlic!  It is naturally antimicrobial and has long been used as a natural alternative to antibiotics. Depending on how much time I have to cook a meal, I either use garlic granules/powder or freshly minced garlic. I just discovered garlic paste. That stuff is awesome when you dont have time to mince your own garlic but want to have the true robust flavor and taste.

Here is a good brand:  http://amzn.to/2C2pVhT

#4 Broth

This is a major building block for so many of my meals. Bone broths add a good punch of flavor to nealy any savory recipe. Whether it is a little to keep your meats juicy or to build the foundation of your soups and stews, it is essential! Also, it is great "doctored" up with some ghee, salt, pepper, turmeric, garlic and just enjoyed in a large mug as a meal. It is very nutritious! 

I know we all may not be able to make bone broths from scratch but there are several quality options now to buy off your grocery shelf. 

Here are a few brands I use: Bonafide Broth (in the freezer section), Kettle & Fire and Pacific Natural Foods

If you live in the Lubbock, Midland/Odessa area and even the DFW area,  you will be happy to know that Holy Cow Beef is having a sale all of December on their Beef Ankle and Knuckle bones! These are needed for nourishing bone broths! Check out their order form.

#5 Fish Sauce

This rocked my world 2 years ago when I first started cooking Nom Nom Paleo recipes. Michelle, (I feel like we should be on a first-name basis), creates these umami-packed recipes that will leave your taste buds aching for more. Fish sauce adds that extra something that you just can not get from any other seasoning or sauce. A few drops goes a long way. I am not going to lie, it smells gnarly but trust me, it will be tasty! I use it in meatball recipes, ground pork dishes and on anything Michelle tells me to put it. Yes, she is a rockstar to me! 

Here is the brand I use: http://amzn.to/2AUp6IG

Here is the link to Michelle's newest cookbook, Ready or Not!: http://amzn.to/2AD2pMn

Let me know what some of your favorite essentials are!

Blessings of health!

-Vita