I always leave a crop of jalapeños on the bushes until they turn beautifully red—that is when their flavor is the best for powdering. Chipotle powder is made from a jalapeño chile that has been smoked and then dried. It is super easy to do at home and a great way to preserve your bumper jalapeño crop.

This is a great dry rub to have in your arsenal. I feel like something about the coffee really enhances the umami meatiness of the meat you are cooking. Goes great on some lamb steaks. Feel free to adjust the heat level to your preference.

The best burger I have ever had was from a cute little place called Tabor Tavern in Portland Oregon. 1/3 lb. lamb patty, harissa, balsamic onions, feta, arugula, all on a brioche bun. I just checked the menu, and they are still serving it. I have never been quite able to reproduce that flavor, but it opened my mind to how well-spiced lamb is suited to be used in a burger. This flexible sausage recipe can be pumped into links, flattened into patties, or rolled into meatballs.

This delicious Middle Eastern cheese can be served as a creamy dip or rolled into flavorful spheres, coated with herbs and spices, and suspended in olive oil. Whatever your choice, it is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, very simple to make, and the flavor pairings are endless.

I love infusing honey with different savory elements. It elevates what could be a cloying sweetness by adding body and complexity that gives your dish that “oh, that’s good” double-take.

The options are endless, in terms of the flavors you could use. Try chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, bay leaves, saffron, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. The sky’s the limit. Get curious. Get infusing.