Mexican Vanilla

If you go to Mexico or if you have a friend going make sure you get them to bring you back some Mexican vanilla. Yes you can get real vanilla in Canada but it's so damn expensive! Mexican vanilla is readily availble everywhere you go and is ridiculously affordable. Even if you are the type to never leave the resort I can almost guarantee they will have it in the hotel gift shop. Just make sure you check the ingredient list. It should only contain vanilla, alcohol and water - nothing else! So, hand your friends a tenner and wait for the yummiest vanilla you have ever tasted. You won't be disappointed!

Mini Chopper

First off let me clarify that in no way does this mini chopper perform the functions of a full sized food processor (more on that later). However - I got this particular one at Walmart for less than $10. It's not the most powerful motor but I love it for chopping garlic and onions. They can be tricky to mine finely if your knives need sharpening and it makes your hands and cutting board reek. This little guy pulverizes them and is a cinch to clean up after. It's also handy for making your salad dressing in one container from start to finish.

Coriander Chutney

I looooove this chutney so much that I shipped two bottles of it to the small town I moved to in case they didn't carry it there. (They don't by the way). I am a huge cilantro fan which prompted me to buy it in the first place. I actually don't think it tastes much like cilantro at all but it's still potent and delicious. I add it to soups and sauces for a great kick. I found it in the international aisle of the major supermarket in my home city.

Cheap Sherry

I like to keep a bottle of cheap sherry on hand for cooking. It really is cheap (about $6 for 750ml) and it's not something you would ever be tempted to drink so it lasts in the cupboard for ages. Also, as oppposed to red wine I am not tempted to drink sherry so I don't feel it's a waste to use it in recipes. It's great for making beef based soups, adding flavour to gravy, slow cooking beef in and to speed up the carmelization of onions.

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