I love Cajun seasoning and make my own instead of buying the premade ones. They put other stuff in some of them and I never use them up fast enough. Easier to make my own. Any dish can be changed by whatever you fancy........Cajun, Creole, Southern, Italian, Asian, etc. Eating keto means I also use bacon or sometimes just the bacon grease when roasting veggies. Brussel sprouts is a good example roasted with bacon and a bit of maple syrup (ChocZero for me). I also use extracts, flavorings and sugar-free syrups. I like to make green beans with Italian salad dressing on it and bake it in the oven.
Yes, I have a load of spices and herbs. Sometimes you just stumble accross things. Like thyme, had never had or used it but my BIL came over after my husband passed and planted a small herb garden in an old wheel barrow. I think it was only five things, rosemary, parsley, thyme, cilantro and chives. Who knew that tiny garden of herbs would make such a difference, not only to my mental well being but giving me motivation to cook.
I became much more interested in cooking things I had not in the past. It can make such a big difference in taste by throwing a few fresh herbs into out dishes.
You can buy one or two small broccoli crowns fresh. That way you won't have too much.
Yes, I do that but sometimes I don't get to the store as often. It would be good to learn how to make frozen taste as good as fresh. That way, I will have things available to make a good meal. The asparagus, I buy that by the pound and can use it up in a week. Broccoli, I just get a small crown. Squash, I buy one yellow or one zuchinni for the week, that works good. Carrots last well. Potatoes, onions store well. Cauliflower, can't eat a head in a week or cabbage. Romaine or iceberg are sometimes a challenge, cucumbers, I will cut and snack along with carrots.
Mind you, that does not mean I don't have a stash of chips, cheese nips, nuts and other things. Not just for my enjoyment but for company as well.
I am just looking for other options that are healthier and tasty for meals. We all need those ideas and other ways we can improve meals we already make. Let's take standard chicken salad, I like to add pineapple and walnuts. Someone metioned about trying grapes. Tuna salad, I am about boiled eggs, celery, onions, dill pickles, some like to add chopped apple.
I think someone the other day was talking about waldorf salad. Have not had that in ages but sounds so good. My Mom made it with mini marshmallows added fresh whipped cream not mayo. Come to think of it, more a version of a fruit salad she made. Guess we all learn over time to rethink a recipe to suit our taste and that of our faimilies. There are so many versions or potato salad it blows my mind,
