Circassian chicken, or çerkez tavugu in Turkish, is a popular meze dish and an elevated form of chicken salad that ditches the classic mayonnaise in favor of a rich and creamy, bread-thickened garlic and walnut sauce.

The chicken is poached in a simple broth seasoned with garlic, onion and parsley. The same broth then is used to moisten the stale bread that gives the dressing its body. The bread also is blended with the poached garlic and chopped walnuts, and some of the sauce is tossed with shredded chicken and lemon juice.

Can’t resist that jar of artisan chili crisp? Willing to fork over 10 bucks for a bottle of water “restructured” with quartz crystals? Maybe you’re determined to go plant-based or want to buy food with a mission. Either way, you’re in good company.

Specialty foods — a category comprised of unique or artisan foods and beverages made with high-quality ingredients from suppliers across the globe — have never been more appealing to American consumers.