Alton Brown's Spice of 2012 is....Sumac!

Alton Brown has officially announced that his spice of 2012 is sumac. Sumac is not traditionally found alongside salt and pepper and many people are unsure of what exactly to use it for. It has a unqiue taste and adds acidity and bitterness to dishes, though it is less harsh than lemon. Sumac can be used in cooking but is more often sprinkled on food right before serving. It goes great with everything from meats to vegetables and can even be mixed with olive oil for a delicious bread dip or salad dressing. So next time you are feeling a little blah in the kitchen, spice up your meal with sumac.