Protein.                                    If there’s one trend that’s flaming Cheeto hot right now, it’s protein. Every day in my inbox are new articles about protein- How to get more, High Protein Snacks, Signs of Protein Deficiency, etc… Protein supports muscles, fuels the brain and keeps the immune system strong. It also tends to keep you feeling satisfied longer than carbs.

Cottage Cheese.                               This trend was brought out of the 70’s mothballs, where it lived with a slice of canned pineapple and a maraschino cherry on a “Diet Plate”. Cottage Cheese is all over these days, but maybe most of all served over a baked potato with a dollop of caviar- a meal touted by Skinnygirl founder Bethanny Frankel. Cottage Cheese is Ricotta’s Country Mouse relative, clunkier and less sexy, with bigger curds, filled with tang and creaminess. Yee haw!

Caesar Salad.                                 But it’s not just for salad anymore. The ubiquitous salad now is seen in wraps, pastas and chicken wings. I recently made a New York Times recipe for Crispy Chicken on Caesar Slaw which got two thumbs up from my son Christopher and DIL Courtney.

French Onion Everything.                            Along the same lines, French Onion is not just for soup anymore. I’ve had a delicious French Onion Burger (Eating House) and there are also French Onion Chicken and Pasta dishes trending. I’m all for more of French Onion Everything!

Mushrooms.                                These were on last year’s list, but still trending. I will say, people are now more open to a variety of mushrooms, beyond the pedestrian white button and Baby Bella, such as Oyster and Lion’s Mane. Great for your brain and gut, mushrooms are now found in beverages, such as coffee; they’re also a great meat alternative.  

Healthy.                                   Ever since the Pandemic, there’s no escaping the Wellness Wagon. Now, we’re also seeing new farming methods (such a vertical gardening) which are more resistant to climate change, while the trend toward local and sustainable products continues.

Comfort Food.                                The yin yang of this equation is balancing the virtuously healthy with the absolutely craveable. So food items which offer comfort like: Noodles, Parker House Rolls and S’More– flavored items are popular in 2024.

Buckwheat.                                  Is supposed to be big in 2024. Apparently, it’s a great cover crop for the soil and is rich in protein and fiber. I’ve mostly known about buckwheat through Soba Noodles and Blini pancakes, but apparently it’s branching out into other territory.

Pro and Prebiotics                               Taking care of our guts has turned into a “thing” and most people treat this condition by drinking water with these supplements.

Flowers.                                 They’re not just for table decorations anymore. Edible flowers, such as rose petals, lavender, butterfly pea and orange blossom are being used in baking, drinks and snacks. I’ve also seen an uptick in use of orange blossom and rose water, along the floral lines.

Mindful Drinking.                              Since we’re just coming off Dry January (for some of us, not moi) people are rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Instead of immediately grabbing a glass of wine at the end of the day (guilty as charged), mindful drinkers are asking themselves why they feel the need to drink. They may not give up booze, but are just more conscious of the why and willing to mix lower or no alcoholic drinks into their routine. This trend has been around for a while and continues to develop. 

Up Next: Valentines Day is just another day.

If you want to make it Vegetarian, you could use vegetable broth and it’s an easily adaptable soup, so mushrooms, edamame or other soft vegetables can be added. You could also add dumplings or cooked chicken, but the beauty of this soup is its simplicity. I added a squirt of Sriracha and chopped scallion greens to the top for color. It calls to microwave it but if you’re microwave-averse, you could heat it up on the stovetop just as easily.

Up Next: A week of Seafood and new restaurants in South Miami.