The Secret Ingredient Every Chef Uses

Where to get the best, and how to use them.

Certain foods we tend to think we make better than anybody else. Sometimes we attribute the superiority of our dish to a secret ingredient. One of mine is parmesan cheese in my potato salad. Anybody else willing to share what...

, the best "secret ingredient" is to try to use the best quality ingredients you can afford to use. And, as a pastry chef, I’ll add the following – when I do something chocolate, I will add a little bit of coffee. Not...

what is (are) your secret ingredient(s) that makes your version of a dish freaking incredible?

in my house the expression "Secret Ingredient" is code for nutmeg. Spinach bland? Add some "Secret Ingredient". Bacon fat makes everything taste good.

The Cook’s Illustrated pie crust made with vodka might be a good candidate. They also had a recipe for “Rustic Apple Tart” and the crust used Wondra flour. Not as intriguing, though, as some other secret...

with anise stars, and pour. It must steep at least a few months to taste right for soup. I don’t know if that’s useful (or just gross) to anyone else. Thought I would share. Does anyone else’s mom have a secret...

I’m a big fan of Irazu—though it’s Costa Rican and not Mexican, it reminds me of places I’d have brunch in Austin, and the red salsa is fantastic (I’m guessing at the secret ingredient here too, but...

- depending upon what I have); cilantro; lime juice; pepper and salt; tomatoes, no ‘pulp’, added at last minute or makes it too watery. But my secret ingredient? Tequila. nothing special. think i used cuervo gold last...

Vietnamese hot sauce made with chilis and garlic. I like it because it is not so hot that I can not eat it plain. Try it in your next bloody mary. If it’s not a curry dish to begin with, curry powder is a good secret...

Now, first, let’s not get into an argument over what chili IS or ISN’T. It is what a person wants it to be....different strokes, and all that. What I’d like to know, (because i usually buy canned chili with...

No, it remains loose and sprinkle-able. It’s a perfect "secret ingredient" and adds a lot of depth of flavor. I can post exact measurements if you’re interested.

The juice from the pickle jar is a secret ingredient in many chowhounds’ pantries. Here are some favorite uses. ...

Slaw adds sweet succulence.

. What’s the most unusual ingredient you use in your cooking? What’s your favorite secret ingredient?