Last week it became apparent pretty quickly that many of you are interested in The Flavor Bible
Behold the power of Google. Karen Page, co-author of The Flavor Bible, contacted me since all of your dreams of owning The Flavor Bible caused her google alerts to ding loudly. Karen sent me two copies of her book…one for me to sleep under my pillow with, and one for me to give away. Nice lady huh?
This book is really pretty cool. I’ll allow YouTube to explain what I mean:
Here are a few photos I took of the book contents:
I love this book because I don’t like using recipes. I like to see what I’ve got on hand, and try to pull together complimenting flavors. This book will help you do that. Got a Skirt Steak, but you’re not sure how to coax the most flavor out of it? You do now.
Amazon has The Flavor Bible on sale for $23.10 right now. You should getcha one.
Or you can try to win one. All you’ve got to do is leave a comment on this post mentioning your favorite flavor/ingredient. What’s that one thing that just tastes great on everything to you? Chipotle? Brown Sugar? Garlic? Parmesan?
I’ll pick one random commenter and ship you a brand new copy of The Flavor Bible. One entry per person please. All cheater-cheater-pumpkin-eaters will be disqualified.
You CAN be entered into the contest a 2nd time by RE-TWEETING this post – using the button on the bottom of the blog post. I’ll add all re-tweets to the end of the comments and you’ll have another chance to win.
Love Wins,
Ryan
I LOVE garlic. I really LOVE cumin too. I want this book!!! May the “random winner” gods look down on me kindly.
I would have to say brown sugar. I add it to Chili. Pasta sauce. Oat meal. Anything that needs a little bit of sweetness. I’ve also rubbed it (along with other spices) on ribs. Tasty stuff!
Lately, it’s been cumin seed, garlic and cayenne pepper!!!!!!!!!!!
Oregano is my fave! Love it! Followed by cilantro. I don’t use cilantro that much, but the few things I use it for it’s FANTASTIC
does BUTTER count?
That’s so cool that she sent you a couple of them. Awesome.
I love cilantro on everything. It rocks.
My husband and I love garlic. I add it to nearly everything.
Butter! Butter makes everything better, from baked goods to tomato sauce. Yum, yum, yum!
Dude, I could eat cilantro on cornflakes! Asian flavors are my faves and I don’t use them enough–tamarind, lemongrass, curries…And I bought my sister-in-law this book for Christmas
Garlic. I can’t get enough of the stuff. Good thing I don’t get out of the house a whole lot, then, probably people would get enough of me before I got within 20 feet of them…!
Oooh…I think cheese is good with almost anything- cream cheese especially.
Coconut. Is that a flavor? Hmmm. If not, then cinnamon.
I could not live without garlic!! Cool giveaway, thanks!
Oh man. My favorite flavor changes every five minutes. Can I give a quick list?
Garlic, Salt, Cilantro, Black Pepper, Onion, BACON!
There are more, but I’m TRYING to keep to the spirit of your question.
How nice is that???? Both the book and the giveaway! Favorite ingredient? I can’t cook without garlic. Just can’t. Or onions, but then comes fresh herbs, rosemary (growing 5 Ft. tall in the garden) parsley, basil, cilantro….this list is growing! What a great giveaway, I would love to learn how to use recipes less – my mom was amazing at it! Thanks Ryan! Ina
I think I love Garlic the most. Nearly everything I eat has garlic in it these days.
Garlic! Followed closely by oregano! I seriously add double or triple of each of these things when a recipe calls for them! LOVE IT!
GARLIC!!!
I want this book SO BAD!! 
I love my homeade vanilla. It is so wonderful.
Cheese and garlic make the world go ’round.
Curry. I love curried vegetables, I love curry in my chicken salad, I love a little sprinkle on a turkey sandwich, yum. I love curry.
garlic,garlic,garlic and oh yes garlic!
Cumin has changed the way I spice things up. My children can’t handle the heat of peppers, so I add cumin for a little kick.
Soy sauce! I’m becoming addicted to making various forms of stir-fry at home, so really, you could add garlic and ginger and rice wine vinegar and several other things to the list. Next up – attempting to make my own sushi, a la The Pioneer Woman.
I love cumin. I don’t even know why but I know it’s definitely my favorite.
Garlic, for sure. Or does the “Italian Seasoning” from Emeril count?
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese! And some garlic’s always good too!
To me its a toss-up, I can’t decide which I like more: Garlic or fresh cracked black pepper. I just both on just about everything I cook.
bacon
Garlic and Onion! I’d love to win this book….I can follow recipes very well, but I’m not very good at creating my own dishes. This would help so much!
I love me some garlic. Lots and lots of garlic.
Seasoned salt all the way.
Butter. Makes the world go ’round.
Garlic and/or a cajun blend. But I think those are my favorites just because I don’t know much about anything else!
mmmmm flavors I love include: Garlic, and the heavenly flavors of home-baked anything (eg. cupcakes, bread, cornbread, cake, pie…oh man)
As many have already said, garlic is my favorite. I am not a recipe follower either, so when people ask me what is in a dish, I usually respond, a little of this, a little of that, and a lot of garlic.
I have been using dill more and more lately as well…
I’m with a lot of other people–GARLIC.
Believe it or not, marjoram…it’s my go-to spice, and I love it in eggs, chicken dishes, meat dishes…
Butter. It covers a multitude of sins. Or something.
garlic, by far. I used to hate it when I was little and now it’s in EVERYTHING…NOM
Jessica
Garlic.
Yummy yummy delicious garlic. 
Basil for sure. Cardamom in anything sweet.
I love garlic, but cilantro is becoming a close second. It just has the most awesome, fresh flavor.
cilantro, onions and garlic are my must haves!!!!
i put a sprinkle of cayenne in practically everything…it’s an addiction. just that slight bit of heat really does it for me.
gotta go with the garlic!
Balsamic vinegar is my favorite these days.
Garlic! My favorite thing to do with garlic is to roast it – I add it to dips or just smear the roasted cloves on some warm bread.
My favorite flavoring is wine… I love the taste of wine in food… then garlic
sorry wrong e masil address before… my favorite flavoring is wine. I love the taste of wine in food… then garlic.
Rosemary. The best herb!
Pepper – chile, smoked, black, freshly ground.. I’ll never make something without it (even pastry!).
I can’t decide on just one flavor, but they would all fit under the category of heat; Horseradish, chili sauce, Chinese mustard, Cajun seasoning or even white and black pepper. I like it spicy!
Fennel is one of my favorite among others. Rosemary also -
garlic
Garlic is my favorite ingredient to add to recipes. My husband makes a killer garlicy hummus!
Garlic! But my husband uses cheese like it’s a condiment!
everyone is saying garlic, but i’m a total nut about nutmeg. i put it in all sorts of stuff, including my spaghetti sauce. it gives more depth to the flavor.
I love love love cumin, cinnamon, and curry. (Not sure why I’m stuck on the “C” ingredients but there you go!)
Does Johnny’s Seasoned salt count? I use it a lot. Montreal Steak Seasoning is a close second!
cilantro, hands down – mmmmmmmm love me some cilantro!
Gaaaaaaaaaarlic! Yum! Cilantro is a close second.
rosemary!
Garlic seems to find its way into EVERYTHING at my house. Followed closely by lemon and parsley.
This book sounds right up my Dad’s alley. I love cooking and don’t mind relying on a new recipe, but he acts like he’s allergic to directions. He’d much rather just through things together, experiment (which I can appreciate). Regardless, I think I”ll be getting this book for him.
lemon! Lemon rind, lemon juice, lemon extract. Pucker up!
I would have to say garlic. Followed closely by onion & seasoning salt (a la Lowery’s).
I feel the same way about cooking. I like to use what I have. I think that I use garlic daily.
Spice wise, I love adding thyme or cayenne pepper. I pretty much love any kind of pepper spice.
But my mom got it right by adding just a little bit of parmesean cheese to give it a little extra flavor.
i love garlic. asiago cheese is another favorite…..and lemon…..i can’t really pick just one favorite obviously.
It’s garlic for sure, I add it to almost anything, including some breakfast items I cook. Thanks Ryan
Garlic… Sometimes I have an urge to throw it in everything. I am still learning at cooking and it would be very cool to have this and learn.
Thanks for the chance!
Any herb really. I love rosemary, basil, and oregano. Those would have to be my top three to cook with
I like Garlic in everything.
Garlic! Just not in eggs.. eww..
I’m Sicilian so I’d have to say garlic, garlic, garlic. I’m also addicted to caramelized onions. I swear I could eat them with anything.
I love the Trader Joe’s California Garlic Powder. I’m a bit of a junkie, really.
Gotta be Garlic!
I really like paprika…
and of course garlic.
of course there are some things were cumin is just lovely.
I’d have to say garlic! My scandinavian background has given me a rather mild palate… so a little flavor goes a long way in my book. This books looks like great!
Cilantro makes everything better. Well, lots of stuff anyway. Oh, an chile peppers, of course. Mmmmm.
I may be a cheater, but right now I’m in love with my Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning. I know how to make my own, but I do really like theirs!
Lawry’s Seasoning Salt. ‘Nuff said.
Love me some garlic!
Onions. I put onions in/on almost everything and like to munch on them raw, too!
Garlic! And not the salt or powder either! At the beginning of each week, I roast about 9 heads
Chelle says:
February 1st, 2010 at 11:37 am
@Chelle, of garlic then mash it up and throw it in the fridge. I use it for everything!
That would be tarragon – I’m a tarragon freak – chicken, pork, yummy with tarragon.
I’m gonna have to jump on the Garlic train! I love that stuff and I add it to everything! A close second is Basil. Mmmm!
Cumin and basil! Usually not at the same time, but it’s been known to happen around my house…
my very favorite is garlic, especially if it is my brother-in-law’s VT grown garlic. mmm so fresh and juicy and GOOD!
a close second is bacon fat…does that count? it can liven up any flat sauce or soup.
I love garlic too, but the nutty flavor and aroma of brown butter makes my mouth water!!
I really love cilantro and try to add it to items whenever I can. It obviously doesn’t work with everything though
)
That would be garlic. Easy choice. Balsamic vinegar runs a close second.
Garlic.
We love garlic and we love wine.
I would love to win this for my husband. He’s a chemist who loves to cook without a recipe!
Garlic, cilantro is a close second.
I love sour cream. It goes with Mexican, Italian, chocolate, just about everything.
My pops would love this book! We are a big garlic family and also put olive oil and italian seasoning on pretty much anything.
Hi Ryan! Love your site!
My fav ingredient is chocolate! I’ll try to make anything that has chocolate in it!
Garlic. I would love this book. Hubby has been out of work for over a year, but I would definitely buy this if I could.
Judging by the emptiest spice bottles in the rack, I’d have to say Kirkland’s Rustic Tuscan Seasoning. Also go thru a ton of fresh garlic & shallots and vanilla!
I love curry, but I only eat it in take-out. I’d love to learn how to use it at home.
Does cheese count? If not, garlic.
I am boring. I love the taste of Sea Salt. Especially on hot buttered popcorn. It is so much better than table salt.
sea salt!
I love cardamom! It’s fantastic in both sweet and savory dishes, and I like anything that versatile!
Real butter! Butter makes everything better, right?
Garlic!! Yum! Yum! I eat so much I probably smell like it haha!
If I could find a way to put cilantro in everything…I would. I guess that’s not really a spice though so I’ll have to say…ok, are you ready? I love Montreal Steak seasoning
Garlic and cilantro. Equally. Can’t go wrong adding this to anything from a scrambled egg to brisket!!!
No. 1 spice would have to be garlic.
Oh, my…I love me some garlic. But then again, I’m a pretty big fan of oregano. I have a big pot of it on my patio every summer, and there is nothing better!
Garlic, garlic, garlic – my fingers have a constant garlic smell…
Shallots
Garlic. I put it on everything. I may have a problem.
Garlic…. but lately a close runner up has been garam masala.
Garlic. Yum.
I don’t know why but I am so living pepper.
Garlic. Love it. But truthfully, the most used “spice” is dried onion pieces. My son doesn’t like onion, but I can sneak it in this way.
Here lately, I’m in love with garlic!
Ginger!
Garlic and lots of it is a must for any meat or poultry dish I make.
Garlic for sure!
Chocolate!
Om nom nom.
garlic!
call me pedestrian, but I’m learning the value of salt (in moderation, of course) to enhance the flavor of everything I make, from bread to chocolate chip cookies.
Real Maple Syrup. It is the better then sugar and adds the right amount of sweet to any dish. Especially when paired with fresh Atlantic Salmon, give it a try!
Cumin
Caramelized onions!
Garlic and Cayenne Pepper! (the two are a couple…they go hand in hand)
Garlic, onions & butter…..how could you go wrong? My fav spice is cumin and my fav herb is cilantro!
Is blue cheese a flavor? I’m always trying to add blue cheese to anything. Failing that, onions.
Garlic… hmmm garlic!
Hmm, thats a tough one, favorite probably would be garlic, i just love this and the more the merrier.
Butter. Followed very quicky by onions.
The traditional favorite of mine is rosemary (and also garlic), but if we’re getting fancy, truffle oil is AWESOME.
Garlic and butter…the real stuff not margarine!
I love garlic! It goes in almost everything I make. Simple salt and pepper are great too!
I have quite a few favorites but I would say Garlic tops it all. I will have to check that book out! Thanks for letting us know about it.
Garlic garlic garlic, and salt
Basil. I love basil in salads, in pasta, on chicken, and, ooh, basil oil on prociutto wrapped melon. A close second is bacon. mmmm, bacon. I really want to try the bacon-topped donut.
not sure I can limit to just one — fresh basil, thyme, garlic, salt, salsa, butter …
Garlic!
Is it possible to choose just one? Savory – garlic; Sweet – caramel
Garlic! And butter! They make anything savory flavorful and amazing!
Black pepper – it’s the one spice I can’t do without.
I love garlic in just about anything!!! but I’m also becomming a huge fan of fresh cilantro. Or is it coriander. They call it one thing in New Zealand (where I’m from) and another here in the states.
I love GARLIC!!!!!
Definitely garlic.
Cilantro is the best!
Peppers go with everything! Especially red peppers.
I think my most commonly used item is Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Sure, it’s salty, but good. Second to that would be red pepper flakes or black pepper.
I love cinnamon. The smell and taste make me feel at home.
I think garlic is my go to spice.. both fresh and dried… but there are so many more I enjoy using.
We love to use garlic in our cooking, I put it in almost everything I make!
I admit it – garlic. Definitely garlic. Never can have enough.
Peppers…. sweet, zingy, hot. I can put them in just about anything.
green chiles! I throw them in everything I can.
If I had to pick a spice, it would be cumin.
Pepper! Can’t get enough!
I’m a huge fan of Parmesan. there is almost nothing that won’t taste better after adding a dash!
I use garlic in nearly everything. Love it!
Kosher salt, fresh ground pepper and garlic go on 99% of my dishes, I am starting to get into using Rosemary and onions more now too.
Garlic!
Garlic and cinnamon! I love garlic!
ya, i’m another one living in the garlic camp.
mmmmmm…..
Garlic, garlic, and more garlic!
-Sarah
http://www.ourbellacucina.com
I love a touch of cinnamon in savory dishes!
Right now, thyme. Did you know that stuff is still growing in my Columbus back yard? I snipped some and stuck it in my lasagna yesterday, fresh herbs in 23 degree winter, I kid you not! Awesome.
My husband will salivate for this book.
i use my pepper mill on just about everything. just add pepper is my motto.
Just one? I don’t think I can. Garlic, rosemary, chipotle, fresh cracked pepper, sea salt, cumin, ginger, lime, mole, cheese of any kind, sage, wasabi, sriracha…. I can go on for a long time yet
Salt. Simple, earthy, everything.
garlic.. garlic.. garlic.. YUMMMO
fabulous giveaway!
I put garlic and ginger in everything. gotta be fresh though—none of that powdered stuff for me, thanks
I also like to use a lot of curry, which drives my family nuts because apparently I’m the only one who likes it
Tony’s Chacheres. Its all you need!
Sea Salt is my favorite flavor.
I love garlic, I love butter, I love cinnamon. it’s hard to choose one flavor.
In my mind the simplest is sometimes best. Good ol’ salt and pepper works most the time for me. However, I love garlic,onion, thyme, rosemary and lemon.
This book looks great! I love spices and seasonings…my top flavor is Cilantro! Thank you.
Garlic, chipotle, cumin when I am feeling a little wily. Does salt count? I loves me some kosher salt!
well chocolate is my favorite flavor, but if we are talking real food, i like butter and cheese, and in the spice realm cumin!
Personally I would say garlic but my hubby is the chef and he might say good quality salt is his favorite.
Garlic and cheese! umm umm good!
Sriracha!
Garlic, in any shape or form. A close tie is any kind of fresh herbs, basils, parsley, rosemary, the list goes on and on……
I love cayenne in just about anything. A little dash will kick up the flavor in just about anything from corn chowder, obviously mexican dishes, mac and cheese, eggs, or in pizza sauce.
I’ve gotta say, my all time favorite would have to be Tony’s. Tony’s goes in just about everything we make around here.
Cayenne, hands down
Balsamic Vinegar. And Dale’s steak sauce.
Love the garlic, but cheese is my go to flavour – it’s welcome on everything I eat!
Hard to choose just one! I would die without soy sauce though!
Don’t worry. I’m not going to say garlic. That’s too easy. I also am not a total recipe person. Granted, I like collecting them, but only to use as guidelines, and I often tweek/change/combine them according to what I feel like or what I have. I get that from my dad, who is also very into spices, and makes his own spice blends that he sells at our local farmers market.
I love ginger, sweet salty whatever. Cumin is good as I love Mex food, though I’m sure there is more I could learn about it’s uses. Corriander is the one I’d really like to learn more about. I love it’s almost lemony quality.
I love this book! I got it for Christmas! If I won I would give this to a friend whom I know would love it! It is a fabulous book, I love it, I love it!!
Garlic when I’m cooking, and cinnamon when I’m baking. Boring, but could you imagine your kitchen without them?
Brown sugar (mmmm…..)
Old Bay! Marsala! Brown sugar! Do I have to pick just one?
Roasted garlic!
Garlic!
Oh definitely garlic – but butter is a close second (even though that’s not really a spice…)
It is so hard to pick just one, but garlic makes (almost) everything taste better! I even put it on my eggs!
hmmm, i’m a big fan of incorporating chocolate into just about anything i possibly can. for example, adding chocolate chips to brownies or chocolate cake (just gives it that something extra
i also like butter, sea salt, cinnamon, brown sugar…nope, didn’t name just one 
Buttah…. because it’s fun to say. What doesn’t taste better with a little butter?
As a kid, I thought everything was better with ranch dressing. Now that I have grown up, garlic is my favorite thing to add to just about any savory dish (I draw the line at garlic desserts).
Garlic!!!
cinnamon… kind of boring sounding, but so good!
Garlic..it is good for all that ails ya.
garlic. can never have too much!
Cinnamon! I love it. It’s a nice surprise in many dishes.
love me some Garlic!
Basil, and I apologize for giving you a recipe. Didn’t know it would offend you…
Oh garlic, how do I love thee?
Any kind of cheese… except stinky ones..well, some of the stinky ones are okay
Garlic, goes with just about everything. And cheese too. Put those two together, and I have a happy family.
I believe that garlic goes a long way on lots of things.
Garlic! With everything!
Lately I have been all about lemon. I think the Pioneer Woman’s baked lemon pasta is what started it off for me, and since then I have been trying lemon on everything. All kinds of veggies but especially asparagus, baked chicken, fish.
I never used a lot of lemon before because I thought it would make things to sweet or sour or citrus-y, but that hasn’t been the case at all. I really love pairing lemon with garlic. Ahhhhmazing.
Awesome giveaway Ryan!
I have three fav ingredients
Garlic, Cilantro, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
I always end up doing garlic and onion
Garlic. It has to be garlic.
I’m really digging shallots but lately I’m finding myself adding mustard to everything.
Garlic, garlic, garlic!
I’m in love with Janes Crazy Mixed Up Salt, also the Pepper. It’s just one of those great universal seasonings.
I felt kinda pedestrian that i was gonna say “garlic” until i saw that a lot of people love that stinky rose. I just love to find new ways to use it.
Marloram, however, is a spice that i have NO IDEA how to use it. I need that book.
I love the taste of gray salt. It’s wonderful on everything.
I love so many flavors: garlic, cilantro, ginger, soy, brown sugar, red pepper, and butter!
Salt!
Garlic!
Love…and Butter.
I totally read that wrong!
I thought it said, “what is your favorite Bible!?”
I really like cumin!
Everything I cook has garlic and onion. I love that flavor combination!
cilantro and lime!
I love garlic. My children (now all grown) never knew how much garlic they ate while they were growing up! I’m sneaky.
I think I would go with Rosemary. But we use onions and garlic nearly every single day… oh pepper too.
Shalom.
Lucy
gotta be garlic. or red pepper flakes. toss up. Love the heat, love the spice
My favorite flavor right now is blueberry and lemon. It is light and refreshing… Blueberry lemonade is awesome. Garlic is always a nice savory flavor.
Garlic and cumin
I was going to say garlic but honestly I have really been digging Thyme. Hmm fresh spices.
I love rosemary on everything! Sweet potatoes, garlic bread, chicken… it’s amazing!
I’m gonna go with garlic. Second place would be basil. And from there…it’s a matter of “I know what I like when I taste it, but have no idea how to get there.”
fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley – it goes in everything from salad and scrambled eggs to marinades and garnish.
I’d have to say……garlic is what I use the most. But cilantro is coming on strong! Fresh spices are the best.
Roasted garlic, yum
Garlic. Absolutely Garlic. There is very little I haven’t tried with Garlic on it. Except maybe ice cream…but I’m not going to rule that out either.
Rosemary. I use it often … more often even than garlic.
Lemon pepper! I use it on so many meats and veggies.
Everyday I use onion, mushroom and garlic…in just about everything! That is the base of most every dish I cook, the rest of the spices just change the geographic flavor of the dish…
Garlic and Cayenne. Everything I make has one or the other. (Obviously I don’t make a lot of baked goods.)
I’m a garlic girl too.
Garlic. Definitely.
Garlic.
Yes, garlic!
I’m totally a garlic person. If I have to throw something together at the last minute, it always includes garlic.
If I had to pick one it would have to be garlic, because it’s good all around. But I could eat basil or cilantro straight off the plant, yum. And everyone would love my stinky breath.
vanilla – it’s my secret ingredient in almost everything (I bake more than I cook)
My newest obsession is bay leaves, hands down.
Garlic is at the tip top of the list! But, with the purchase of a new nutmeg grinder, fresh nutmeg has made its way into several things I’d not considered before–but only on my own plate. One needs to keep peace in the family! I was intrigued by the bay leaf in the pumpkin (from the video) I figured they were going to say cinnamon.
Mmmmm definitely garlic. I LOVE garlic. In all sorts of dishes. Yummy!
Oh man…. garlic, cilantro, basil…. the list goes on and on…
fresh ginger, fresh garlic, fresh cilantro
Garlic! My hubby and I LOVE garlic and lots of it! I do not mean garlic salt, or garlic powder or garlic from a jar. I mean fresh garlic bulbs chopped, pressed or roasted. I want to smell it before I even hit the room.
I’m a garlic person. I use it in just about everything I cook.
Add me to the garlic fans! I love it!
Oh my, how I’d love to have that book! Garlic. Can’t have anything without Garlic!!
Garlic! Just makes everything better!
butter. food is a carrier for butter
Garlic and Soy Sauce
I heart garlic. I also heart fresh basil. YUM!
Thai chilli peppers!
I loove Garlic. And Parmesan Cheese
My favorite is cinnamon! I put it on burgers the most but cinnamon is pretty much good on everything. People think I’m weird because I put cinnamon on burgers, try it, amazing stuff.
Taragon. It’s somewhat new to my kitchen and I am finding the most amazing ways to use it.
sugar makes everything right in the world
I LOVE brown sugar – sweetness and depth!
Garlic is a given, after that I would have to say red pepper flakes, I have been using them a lot lately
Gotta go with garlic. Or parmesan. Garlic. Parmesan. Dilemma.
Gotta go with garlic. It’s makes everything better.
Everything is better with garlic!
I think garlic. It’s cliche, but I always say, cliches are overused for a reason.
thanks for the chance (and the book rec if all else fails!)
Roasted Garlic, for sure!
Garlic on everything please. Rock n Roll baby!!!!
Cinnamon! It’s such a wonderful flavor. It does wonderful things to spaghetti! My sister does not agree with this, but what does she know?
Oh, I have a few favorites. Garlic, Ginger, Vanilla… mmmm. But, you really can’t live without sea salt and fresh ground pepper!
I’m amazed at the popularity of garlic in these comments! I love the way adding garlic to a dish instantly creates so much depth.
OH Man! I have to pick one …….. can’t do it:
garlic, butter, onions, cream, cumin, smoked paprika, smoked chipolte, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, I could go on and on and on…
I am so happy that you got a copy of the book, good for you!
An overall favorite is tough to pick, but for now I will go with cilantro. Weather in soups, salads, a sandwich or salsa, it adds a nice pick-me-up. Someone should bottle the smell in a hand soap
I’m currently on a cumin kick.
Cinnamon!
GARLIC! I love garlic (how can I not, I’m Italian, lol)! I also love rosemary.
Thanks Ryan!
Thyme and cumin seem to be my go-to spices lately.
oooh- that book is TOO awesome! I don’t think that I could go a single day without garlic in something!!! Thanks Ryan for offering up your swag- it’s nice of you to share.
garlic. and parmesean. together if possible!
I am on a cayenne pepper kick right now!
But I need to learn more about spice fo’ sure!
I love fresh ginger!
gotta go with a popular answer it seems – garlic! My hubby and I usually double or triple the amount of garlic recommended
Cumin!!! I love it! I add it wherever I can!
lots and lots of garlic…
Mrs. Dash. Believe it or not it is a great overall spice. I don’t use it because I’m salt-restricted, I use it because it is a great combination of spices. A little on chicken with salt and it is fabulous!
Cinnamon is mine. I am mosre of a sweet than savory person anyway. I have, I kid you not, 4 different kinds of cinnamon in my spice cupboard. I was just looking at this book on Amazon this weekend too.
Cumin is good on everything. Can’t cook without it.
I love garlic and onion…Almost essentials for any true tastiness. I’m also quite smitten with chicken stock (homemade or organic) at the moment.
Wow… there are just too many to count. Garlic, onions, oregano, basil, cilantro and if you haven’t tried Cavenders Greek Seasoning… its the bomb. It goes with everything, especially pizza, or even better, grilled pizza’s!
I’ve enjoyed your blog for a few months now, I almost feel bad that this is the first time that I’ve left a comment for you!
After all those other “garlic” responses, I really don’t want to say garlic…. so I’ll go with lemon. (Even though my favorite is really garlic)
I’m Italian, so I’ve got to go with garlic as my #1. But as a lot of people love garlic, I’ll have to give up my favorit “secret” ingediant… Balsamic vinegar… it’s fantastic even in desserts (reduced balsamic sauce over strawberries? Freakin’ amazing).
rosemary, for some reason.
Fresh garlic!! Love it!
Right now all I can stomach is pretzels, saltines and blue gatorade(Morning sickness
. People keep promising me that it won’t last forever though so I should add that I generally love vinegars.
umm, does cheese count?? Because I’m slightly obsessed.
Lately I’m obsessed with cayenne pepper. Or garlic salt. Or ranch dressing. The list of favorites could go forever!
That’s a tough question – I think it’s ginger.
Any type of lemon… fresh or in a herb mix or just plain ‘ole lemon pepper!
I do love some garlic. But I love curry too. And then there’s cumin. Sigh.
That is a hard one. Probably cumin, but garlic and chipotle peppers come in as a tie for second.
cilantro, and garlic, and cumin. but then again, I love ginger too. but what about basil, and rosemary? Geeze, Ryan, I can’t pick. That Flavor Bible would make me mighty happy!
I would have to say garlic, because I know when it is missing and it makes my tastebuds very sad!! we used to live 20 min. away from Gilroy CA the garlic capitol of the world, it was amazing…to smell when you got off the highway!
Butter. Hands down.
Basil and garlic – oh, sweet summertime!
just one!!..mmmmm…probably really good olive oil..fantastic on crunchy bread, salad, use a little in the wok or fry pan to get things going..terrific stuff.
oh my….bacon, bacon and bacon. oh and bacon. ok, there is also rosemary, chipotle, garlic. but don’t forget bacon!
i know it is unoriginal but i can’t live without garlic. i put it on everything…much to the dismay of my non-italian husband.
this book looks AMAZING! keep up the good work on the blog!
Good salt. Sea salt or grey salt or even kosher. But good salt lends to everything from savory to sweet.
Wow! Garlic is popular! I’d have to second that, and also add that I love the flavor of red wine in many dishes. It just adds something special to a dish, plus it gives you an excuse to have a glass while you cook!
Garlic rock my face off.
I cannot live without garlic.
I love garlic. And onions. Yes, garlic & onions!
I love garlic and cilantro but I also like curries.
Almost everything I cook seems to contain garlic and onions–and looking at the three posts above me, this seems to be popular.
rosemary, garlic, sage; not neccesarily all at the same time.
I’m a garlic girl – but gimme the fresh stuff NEVER the minced stuff in the jar – yuck!
I love cumin and garlic…so yummy.
Parsley!!
Garlic! But Cilantro is a close second.
I MUST get this book! I have some smoky Spanish paprika that my daughter’s boyfriend brought back from Spain. I have been dying to find a “real” use for it since it tastes so amazing!
CILANTRO
Basil. I love it in everything.
Garlic and curry. Salt,I forgot salt!Sea salt.
I love balsamic vinegar! I put in in almost everything.
Overall – have to go with fresh Garlic and kosher salt ….that is a beautiful marriage!
Butter, garlic, avocado, cilantro
I am a total suck for Cajun Season. I love it all types of meats. I love in my pasta dishes and I’m not even gonna lie I’ve been known to throw into a few cookie dishes I have too….the mixes of spices all work together to beautiful. I love it
Lawry’s Salt. I grew up with it and cannot imagine a kitchen functioning properly without it.
Garlic. Oh, I love me some garlic!
My favorite flavor is actually a flavor combination I learned as Filipino adobo: soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, onion, peppercorns, and bay leaves. I can’t think of a more satisfying flavor set for just about anything.
Freshly pressed raw garlic. Bragg Liquid Aminos. Frank’s Hot Sauce.
Although I agree with Meghann that “Garlic and cheese” make the world go around. I would have to say sriracha is my favorite!!!!!
Sauteed onions and garlic are the foundation of my cooking, a clear residual of my mom’s style for sure, and I absolutely love the flavor of good EVOO!
Rosemary!!!
Garlic and onion in most things I cook!!
i LOVE garlic. garlic butter. garlic and parmesan. garlic oil. garlic everything!
We like a lot of spicey foods so I love to always keep on hand Chiltepin!
It’s all about garlic and Frank’s Red Hot here!
My 2 chicklets and I can’t decide whether it would be butter or salt – both are key ingredients in things both sweet and savory.
Basil! …and garlic.. and raspberry 9just to be different! )
Sweet Spanish Paprika! In scrambled eggs, fish, roasted veggies. I even sprinkle a bit in my egg salad. Amazing!
leave out the salt but give me some fresh ground black pepper!
Garlic is my most used spice, though I wish I could find more uses for cilantro.
I love onions and garlic. I just bought some fresh potted herbs, and as soon as it warms up a bit, I’ll plant them. So excited!
I cannot live without salty; I love salty things! But the thing I actually crave is cilantro and lime…oh my, now I need cilantro and lime…
I can’t pick a favorite flavor. I’m Italian, so garlic is a basic, but smoked chipotle has taken over recently, even though it can be strong, I want to use it on everything. In fact, I just thought of something else to put it in – scrambled eggs!
Oh man, smoked paprika is my most favoritest thing in the world right now. And garlic is always a favorite. For forever and ever.
Garlic! Fresh, powder, dried-I love it all. Toss in some butter too and I’m good to go
Fresh, homegrown garlic for sure
.
Garlic!
I never know such a book existed. I’d definitely love to look through it. Garlic is my number one fav.
Mmmm…garlic. I love finding new, tasty ways to have garlic.
Chocolate!!!
i love garlic, but my most favorite flavor is cumin. there is something about it that makes my heart sing.
Garlic = yum!
Garlic!!!
Onion and maybe red peppers, I add them to everything!
Garlic. mmmmm
Lemon. it brightens up so many things
Fresh nutmeg or lemon!
Garlic. I eat it in anything. Everything. Alone. Whatever.
I just love red curry paste. My mother-in-law is Thai so she’s taught me how to use it in some recipes and now I try to come up with my own. My favorite is red curry meatballs..sooooo good!
I use garlic in pretty much everything! Except sweet dishes of course
Than it’s chocolate or cinnamon or vanilla 
It’s close, but GARLIC. Yummm! My mum always tells me I stink like food/a Baba house (Ukrainian name for grandmother). I’m not complaining, I think I smell like yummy things to eat.
Garlic!
GARLIC!!!! It’s the best!
Garlic!! Since it’s so popular are you going to give away some garlic too??
My spice cabinet is not complete without Oregano
Garlic is it. Lot’s of other but it leads the pack. Homegrown basil is to die for but then thyme, sage (oh la la), but in the end it’s all about the garlic.
cheese
Lemon – there are just too many things out there that need an acidic kick to taste good!
Bacon! Everything tastes better with a little bit of bacon!
garlic, garlic, garlic!!
Garlic!! But that’s pretty generic isn’t it. Garlic’s good in EVERYTHING! It’s like salt, right? I find that cumin, cinnamon and nutmeg are all running next in line–though not all together! That would be gross….unless it’s the cumin and cinnamon and some sweet potatoes and black beans. Cause that’s some deliciousness!
My favourite would have to be parmesan cheese. Everything tastes better with a little sprinkle of parmesan!
Garlic? Ginger? Good old fashioned S&P? Can’t decide. I love to cook and try new flavors all the time.
Cinnamon! Anything cinnamon flavored, I am a fan.
Garlic – can’t imagine cooking without it.
Lowery’s seasoning salt!
Gotta love garlic! Just don’t like how the remnants smell in the trashcan the next day.
Sriacha and garlic!
parmesan!
corriander! i can’t get enough of it.
Garlic makes so many things better.
I am going crazy waiting for the return of fresh basil.
without a single doubt, tomato and basil. they were created in heaven for God’s table. when sin came upon man, though we were wretched from that day forward and made to toil and labor, God said, “I must leave them something to remind them of my true goodness and love.” So he left us tomatoes and basil.
(please don’t smite me God, I pray)
Bacon! My husband just made pasta tonight with bacon, olive oil, spinach, garlic, and red peppers over fettucini. He’s love this book! Yummy!
Right now I am loving fresh ginger, but I change my mind all the time.
butter is a beautiful thing.
Salt.
salt, pepper, garlic, not in any particular order
BUTTER! Mmmmmmmm.
Garlic, Garlic, and more Garlic
The more garlic, the better life is..
Lemon brightens up dishes beautifully.
seasoned salt and butter
I love fresh flavors – cilantro, lime, lemon…I guess I would settle on cilantro. It is a guilty pleasure since I love it and hubby hates it!
Butter for sure.
because I married a cajun and have no choice… I have to put cajun seasoning on everything, and I mean everything! I even put it on some christmas cookies as a joke for him this year.
Butter. Butter makes everything better.
Its really hard to go wrong with a small hint of cinnamon or cloves in unexpected places. Other than that, I am newly obsessed with chili + soy in everything.
Garlic is good in almost everything.
Garlic, for sure.
Nutmeg! It is my all-time favorite. It’s great in so much more than eggnog, but unfortunately I can’t put it in everything. If I can’t use nutmeg, garlic would have to be my second choice.
I love garlic or some type of onion in almost everything.
garlic and rosemary – yum!
Right now it is a battle between fresh basil or fresh cilantro.
I would have to say that I love adding pepper to soups, ground meat, broths, etc! I never bother with salt; pepper gives food a nice kick!
garlic.
I’ve gotta go with garlic. It goes with everything, the obvious italian, mexican, nondescript eatery goodness, and so on. mmmm garlique!
Cilantro… in salads, sandwiches, mojitos, (try it in lieu of mint!) salsa… love love love it!
Sesame oil is another flavor that makes me extra-love some dishes.
Savory=garlic
Sweet=cinnamon
garlic, but only in savory things
Cilantro and Rosemary. Not together though!! I love them both.
cinnamon and nutmeg for sweet things, and garlic for savory ones.
garlic salt, onion powder, & Lawry’s Seasoning Salt…good all purpose seasonings!
I love basil and cilantro.
Garlic………I need the flavor bible to expand my seasonings! : )
Hmmm….I’d have to say vanilla, if for no other reason than it is my favorite smell in the whole entire world!
Garlic, olive oil, cilantro
All Spice! I know it is not a “real” spice! But I just love it! I put in on pasta.. I have to get the courage to branch out. I used to be a garlic cook, but it switched to All Spice. Boring I know, but I can change!
I’m a garlic kinda girl. I can eat garlic on just about anything! Rub some garlic, olive oil and seasoning on about any meat and it will make me smile. I almost bought this book for Christmas (for myself) but felt guilty since I’d already bought myself a couple other presents! lol I’d love to have it.
I really love fresh, flat-leaf parsley. It amazes me how such a simple ingredient can bring such a bright, fresh flavor to a dish.
Best of luck to all the entries.
mmm my favorite spice is rosemary!
It’s a toss up between garlic and cilantro =)
Garlic! Glorious Garlic!
I grew up on a farm and we ate a lot of meat and potatoes. I discovered Rosemary a few years ago and I just love in on chicken and vegetables. I enjoy you website a lot. Thanks for sharing your life.
Oh it’s hot to be paprika- the true Hungarian stuff.
So good on EVERYTHING
Horseradish! And bleu cheese…and garlic…and mustard…ok. I’ll stop.
Garlic. Hands down. Great aroma! Great taste!
Most things taste better with green chilis in them.
I’d have to say that my favorite right now is either cumin or cilantro. I’ve just started working with them more and am LOVING the flexibility and uses of both.
You can’t go wrong with garlic!!
Brown Sugar..yummy
Basil. Baaaaaasil. Fresh, not dried!
Garlic
garlic is defintely my #1 spice ♥
I have to say that Thai flavors are really rockin my world right now – ginger, lemongrass, galangal, CURRIES! Must I pick one?
Basil! Fresh, leafy basil…
Garlic…on almost anything. And sage on pork and dressing.
I LOVE masala curry!
Yipes…. Well, “Island Spice” from Jamaica for anything sweet. SEA SALT & Roasted Garlic for everything else.
We use a lot of garlic in our house. Horseradish is something I’ve come to love since I was pregnant. I’ve been trying sage in some of my dishes. I love the way it smells!
Just one? Sheesh — sorry can’t come up with just one….
garlic, butter, kosher salt, brown sugar
bacon…bacon…BACON!
Hmm….only one ingredient, eh? I’d have to say it is probably garlic in some way or fashion (salt, powder, fresh). Followed closely by COOKED (only, never fresh) onions. I just love the flavor but not the crunch!
right now I am in the mood for a big pile of shell fish, a vat of drawn butter and old bay seasoning
I *heart* cumin.
I love Garlic!!!
Any time a recipe calls for garlic, I find myself using about 3x as much as what’s needed, so I guess I need to say garlic!
I’m a real fan of cinnamon too.
Lately my fav has been cumin.
Cayenne pepper! I love this stuff in just about anything.
cumin
I love Black pepper
Garlic. I love garlic and could (and would!) put it in everything I made. Well, maybe except eggs. That would be gross.
Cheese. I’ve never had cheese bad on anything. I’ve even heard of people putting it on their apple pie!
Fresh cilantro paired with anything tomato-y. Mmm…
I love garlic!
I love all spices, but will put garlic on almost anything.
CILANTRO! Oh, how I LUV it!
I use Penzey’s English Prime Rib Spice on almost everything, even eggs.
Garlic is definitely my favorite. Once my son was looking over a menu in a restaurant and said that he didn’t think he liked garlic, and my response was, “You’ve had garlic on nearly everything you’ve eaten that I made for you.” He never knew.
It isn’t so much one ingredient it’s a blend, Mojo Mama Original Dry Mojo, Mojo Seco. I am just fascinated with it.
Dijon mustard adds good flavour. I also love garlic and onions, cooked not raw.
cinnamon!
I’m deeply in love with garlic!
I can’t say that I have a favorite…but maybe Montreal Steak Seasoning, it’s a combination so I don’t know if that is fair. But I love the stuff on everything just about.
My boss has this book, so i was able to see one, would sure love to own one!! Garlic, i love garlic!!!
When it all comes down to it, GARLIC. <3
I personally like chipotle, and have incorporated it into a lot of recipes.
Garlic, it goes with everything!
Does Lawrey’s Season Salt count? Also love Onion powder…it’s a great way to sneak in onion flavor when you have to cook for those who don’t like onions…can you believe there are people who don’t LIKE onions?!?!?!
Today it’s curry! Tomorrow, who knows!
Coriander, whether fresh (cilantro) or crushed seeds, I LOVE the flavor. And that book looks fantastic.
Garlic. Pretty much any savory dish seems to taste better when there’s garlic involved.
Bacon, I think everything should taste like bacon
I love garlic, but for me, what really brings nearly everything home is cilantro. When people tell me they don’t like it, or that it tastes “soapy” to them, they may as well be speaking Swahili to me. I don’t get it. Abundant freshness.
The more freqently I use cilanto, the more I need to use. It has now become a weekly member on my grocery list, no matter what I have planned. My husband is one of ‘those people’ who can only take it in small quantities, so I always have extra on the side for myself.
I am Italian…
So…
MUST HAVES are GARLIC…
UGH.. LOVE that stuff !!!
OH !!! and Basil..
gotta have basil..
well Crushed Pepper seeds.. oh and ..
Never mind.. too many to choose !!
; )
I’m really in love with Smoked Paprika these days. Chicken, Pork, veggies…YUM
Garlic but lately I’ve liked onions. It’s pretty surprising since I can’t stand onions.
Curry! Curry!
I love cilantro. It seems like my blood needs it.
there are so many i love but cilantro i can never get enough of. this book looks awesome hopes i win!
I can’t possibly choose just one, but since that’s what you asked, I guess I’d have to go with cinnamon. You can use it in so many things, sweet and savory, Mexican, Italian….. The book looks awesome!
Kosher salt…..boring I know, but it really does make everything taste better!
Salt in it’s many forms – My husband says it’s the one seasoning that makes food taste bad when it isn’t there.
Horseradish!
Since my birthday was yesterday this would be a GREAT gift! Okay, may sound lame, but….black pepper. I never put pepper on anything until fairly recently – the last couple of years or so. Just didn’t like it when I was a kid, so…. Now I love it and put it on everything! My kids are starting to want it on every thing too. Next thing you know I’ll be branching out to crazy spices, like….cumin or something!
soy sauce.
Butter, Real butter… THe fake stuff should be arrested, and thrown in jail.
BTW I am also pretty sure garlic tastes good on everything but maybe poundcake.
Cardamom. i *love* the stuff.
I have a few favorites right now. Vanilla Extract..love it in so many things. Also, Cardamom and Curry to make any dinner just lovely.
Hmm….garlic….and to top it off garlic in harmony with some nice aged parm reggiano…..heavens
I would have to say the staple in our house is garlic. It makes everything state fabulous, but I want this book so we can have some new staples!
We love Sriracha sauce! Put it on most meats. Only 2.19 a bottle at your local asian market. A HUGE flavor that packs a punch!
In my opinion, there is a surprisingly small amount of things that will not be improved if salsa is put onto it…
Garlic. I haven’t tried it on my pancakes yet, but have to admit it crossed my mind.
A splash of fresh lemon juice. Wakes everything up and makes it all sing!
Thanks Ryan! GARLIC. It’s my #1 seasoning. I think my garlic press is used almost every day.
Garlic. In any form. Love it on noodles
cumin. i just LOVE that stuff.
Garlic! Anytime, on anything.
Chipotle is my favorite!
I hate to be so unoriginal, but I love garlic, too! It works with so many dishes.
CILANTRO
GARLIC GARLIC GARLIC!!! There are very few main dishes that I don’t use it. You can never have too much garlic. =)
I have a couple of ingredients I can’t live without! For gravy or sauces (is that a word) I LOVE cream!! For veggies I love butter und brown sugar and for everything else GARLIC!!
I love garlic and cayenne pepper on a lot of things right now.
I love garlic. There can never be too much garlic.
Oh cilantro, you have my heart. I love that it’s so diverse and is a distinctive flavor in so many recipes…Mexican, Indian, Asian. Mmm, now I’m hungry!
I’ve recently been loving on some rosemary. I love to make rosemary bread! yummmm
GARLIC.
Gotta be garlic. Gotta be.
I’m loving me some sugar!! I love to cook with cumin too
Garlic!
Ground black pepper! I put it on almost everything!
ive been on a crazy cayenne pepper kick, its been going into everything, including salads
Something that is good on pretty much everything? Well that would definitely be Old Bay. On grilled corn, on popcorn, on french fries, burgers, chicken, and oh, yeah, on CRABS!
But lately I have been using a lot of cilantro, fresh dried, whatever I can get my hands on. I love the fresh flavor it brings!
Garlic!
Onions first and garlic a close second.
I am in love with Cilantro!!! It adds great flavor to everything, just to bad my daughter can smell it a mile away and dislikes it very much…. strange, strange girl!
Garlic, salt, olive oil. I couldn’t live without them!!
oh my goodness. garlic. not just any garlic, but freshly minced or diced. not powdered, not jarred (is that a word?). freshly broken open, so all that yummy flavor and aroma spills out into the food. garlic, definitely!
Love love love cinnamon. Could eat it on anything, anytime.