I recently realized that, that the foods I eat on an almost daily basis,  are heavily influenced by foods of other cultures.   Open almost any kitchen cabinet or refrigerator in the U.S. and you’ll find ingredients that once felt “foreign” but are now everyday staples. Soy sauce, olive oil, tortillas, balsamic vinegar, and sriracha have crossed borders and become part of how many of us cook weekday meals.

Often my breakfast consists of Greek yogurt and fruit. I tried the yogurt in Greece and loved the thick consistency. Once I had tasted Greek yogurt I could not go back to regular yogurt. Luckily, Greek yogurt is readily available in every supermarket, even Costco. If, instead of yogurt and fruit, I am eating eggs in the morning I will, usually, eat them with salsa and avocado, also easy to purchase ingredients.

While in Singapore, I learned the depth of flavor that comes with using aged soy sauce to cook my vegetables and proteins with. Aged soy sauce is generally not available in mainstream supermarkets; you have to travel to an Asian market to purchase it. It is worth the trip.

And speaking of aged condiments, aged balsamic vinegar has been a staple in my house for a very long time and is easily purchased in American supermarkets. Although it has its origins in Italy.  My kitchen has truly become international. Has yours? If so, which borrowed ingredient do you reach for the most?