Horseradish is most widely used as a condiment, both by itself and as an ingredient in sauces and dressings. If you enjoy the pungency of bottled prepared horseradish, you simply must try it fresh to experience the full breath-taking flavor experience. You'll be surprised at how just a dab of horseradish can liven up a dish without being overpowering, much like anchovies that many folks think they hate but never detect in their food. It is ingredients like these that make a recipe stand out from the norm, making most folks scratch their heads while they happily slurp and chew.

• Horseradish Recipes and Cooking Tips
_{Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

We've discussed how chocolate is often used in savory recipes. Let us not forget its cousin, vanilla. Make sure you're getting the real thing and not adulterated vanilla before trying such vanilla recipes as Vanilla Brine for Pork. If you do want sweets, how about Peach Pound Cake?

• Vanilla Recipes and Cooking Tips
_{Vanilla Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}