Contributed by Info Guru Lindsay Shugerman

If I asked you to name your favorite food, I’ll bet you could probably rattle off your top two or three choices. It’s good to have favorites. But when was the last time you tried a whole new taste to find out if you might love that, too?

If you’re willing to be daring and take a chance on finding a brand new favorite this year, here are some delicious foods and tastes to try in the upcoming year.

Green Cardamon Pods

A new flavor for desserts or main courses

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If you’ve never used cardamon in cooking, or have opted for the powdered version, you need to introduce green cardamon pods to your recipes. These green pods add a delicious sweet and slightly spicy flavor to cakes, muffins, entrees and even coffee that grocery store spices simply cannot match.

Vegemite

A signature taste from Down Under

In the 1980’s, Americans heard about Vegemite for the first time in a song. But over 30 years later, most still haven’t tasted this savory treat. Order a bottle or two and try it on toast or crackers. It’s not only delicious, it’s a wonderful vegetarian source of B vitamins, and is Kosher and Halal certified.

Lobster Mushrooms

A hint of seafood flavor in a beautiful mushroom

Tuck a few packets of lobster mushrooms into your pantry so they’ll be on hand the next time you prepare a risotto, soup stock or just a omelette. Their delicate flavor takes even simple dishes to a whole new level. You may never settle for ordinary white mushrooms again.

Thai Plum Garlic Glaze

So much flavor in one sauce

If you’re bored with the same old marinades and sauces, or just want to elevate the flavor of chicken, fish or vegetables, the answer might be as close a bottle of Thai Plum Garlic Sauce. This sweet, tangy and spicy glaze can transform basic ingredients into a flavorful meal. Keep a bottle on hand for Thai recipes, or for when you’re short on time but still want to add a lot of taste.

Olive oil chocolate

Weird combination, incredible taste

Oh, I do know what you’re thinking. I promise I had the same reaction. Olive oil and chocolate? How? But take a chance on this one from The Olive Press and I promise you won’t regret it. Somehow, the olive oil adds a creamy depth of flavor and richness to fine chocolate. And when a touch of sea salt is added…oh my! Heaven!

German mustard

Move over, yellow mustard

I have to start with my apologies to yellow mustard. It has served us well all these years on hot dogs and pretzels. But once you taste Amana German Mustard, you may banish the familiar yellow bottle forever.

The rich taste and delightful grainy texture makes this mustard fine addition to a sandwich instead of just a lowly condiment.

British Delicacies

With or without a teacup

If you’ve ever tasted British food, you know how it can be – surprisingly contrary to popular myth – delicious, heart-warming and addictive. Thank goodness there is a way to get real British flavor no matter where you live, thanks to a readily available selection of teas, cookies, pantry staples and more.