Za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice mix made of dried herbs and seeds such as sumac, thyme and sesame, is the seasoning du jour, popping up on menus in the hottest restaurants. Here, we make our own to flavor lemon-kissed chicken, which pairs perfectly with cilantro hummus and tangy pickled radishes.

Instead of simply slapping some cheese between two slices of bread (as usual!) why not add black beans and shredded chicken to the mix for a little Mexican infusion?

Sweet, nutty cornmeal lends these baked chicken tenders a perfectly crisp coating. For more crunch, opt for medium-grind cornmeal, but if you like a smooth texture, choose fine ground.

These protein-rich patties are kissed with just a touch of maple syrup and topped with fresh, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples for a meal that works equally well for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Opt for a sweet red variety of apple that will hold its shape when cooked, such as Braeburn or McIntosh.

Flank steak is an affordable, lean cut, which benefits from quick cooking. Since it does not have extensive marbling, cooking to medium rare or medium, and slicing thinly against the grain, will result in the most tender texture.

While our herbed chicken is delicious sans sauce, why not add a little clean fun to your meal by using the herb and mustard blend as a dip for both your bird and broccoli?