Best-Selling Cookbook Author Elizabeth Heiskell Shares Her Go-To Ingredient for Almost Every Recipe

Elizabeth Heiskell is a celebrated culinary virtuoso and best-selling cookbook author. With over two decades of experience as the head of her catering company, Heiskell has mastered the art of serving stress-free while wowing palates with her Southern-inspired creations. A regular contributor to The Today Show, Heiskell has a knack for making cooking and hosting effortless. Recently, Heiskell lent her culinary prowess as a judge in the inaugural Allrecipes Best Recipes Cook-Off, where she shared her expert insights on what distinguishes a winning recipe.

Heiskell’s Take on the Cook-Off

When questioned about her favorite recipe from the cook-off, Heiskell’s enthusiasm couldn’t be contained as she raved about the chocolate truffle pie. Described as rich, decadent, and silky, this dessert left a mark on her taste buds. While the judges had varying preferences, with some favoring the potatoes, Heiskell’s sweet tooth led her to declare the chocolate truffle pie the undisputed champion.

In terms of surprises, Heiskell expressed her unexpected fondness for the breakfast casserole. Although not a frequent consumer of tater tots, she marveled at how they added a delightful crispiness to the dish, elevating its overall appeal.

Cooking With a Twist

As a seasoned chef and recipe creator, Heiskell’s relationship with recipes is far from conventional. Instead of rigidly adhering to them, she views recipes as guidelines and a wellspring of inspiration.

This unconventional approach has presented challenges when translating her culinary expertise into written step-by-step instructions for her cookbooks. Experimentation, she believes, is where culinary brilliance often emerges. Even if a culinary experiment doesn’t turn out perfectly, there’s always the option to order pizza or savor a straightforward bowl of cereal!

Key Ingredients for Culinary Excellence

Heiskell relies on several key allies in her kitchen to enhance her recipes. Fresh herbs are her secret weapon, capable of imparting layers of flavor to dishes throughout the year.

Salt also plays a pivotal role, serving as the solution whenever a dish falls short in flavor. Her go-to remedy often involves simply adding “more salt,” which miraculously restores the dish’s balance.

What’s Cooking in 2024? Eggs, Please!

Looking ahead to potential categories for the 2024 cook-off, Heiskell’s eyes light up at the thought of eggs. From quiches to deviled eggs, eggs offer endless culinary possibilities.

Heiskell’s suggestion hints at the exciting culinary adventures that lie ahead, and her enthusiasm is infectious. As she anticipates the culinary possibilities of 2024, there’s no doubt that her delectable contributions to the world of food will continue to captivate and delight.