Annelies Zijderveld

Here's what makes them so special.

Not long ago, the idea of jerky might conjure up an image of meat sticks tightly wrapped in plastic, but that notion has morphed into strips of meat with a more tender texture. If someone had told you jerky would be one of the hottest trends in food products a few years back, you might have thought they were jerking your chain. In addition to beef jerky, turkey, chicken, bison, and bacon have joined the pack.

Tea might be the second most-consumed beverage in the world, but we often overlook these fragrant leaves when it comes to cooking. Think of tea as a spice, and this throws open the pantry doors of possibility. Each different kind of tea provides a unique flavor profile and personality that can add a touch of exotic essence to familiar flavors of your favorite dinners and desserts.