Ok, ok, so maybe these ingredients are not really “top secret”, but they’re going to bump up the flavor of your food and give them that “what’s in it?” note that makes people sit up and take stock.

Ratatouille
Here’s the thing about Ratatouille – it’s originally a Provencal vegetable stew, and like any stew, just calls out for the personalized touch. Don’t like eggplant – who cares? Peppers aren’t your thing? Use something else. I think you’ll love this version, roughly adapted from Tyler Florence. We do.

Braised Turnip Greens – Healthy Style
Until late in my life, I didn’t really eat greens, and when I’d had them they’d always been Collard greens cooked forever with ham hocks or salt pork – delicious, but something I’ve avoided because of the higher fat and long cooking process. If I had only known then, what I know now: that Braised Turnip Greens are quick, delish & healthy, I’d have been eating them a lot more.