Given the almost overwhelming variety of types and styles of beers that you can buy these days, you might imagine that there are dozens of ingredients that go into beer. While it’s true that some beers do add some extras such as fruit or coffee, all beers really only consist of four ingredients: water, barley, hops and yeast.

Trends within the ever-growing beer industry seem to come and go quickly these days. The industry has to respond to and excite people’s palates as more and more people develop an interest in beer. Here are some of the trends that will likely direct the industry this year.

Beer can chicken and beer battered shrimp are delicious, it’s true, but there’s a lot more you can do with beer in the kitchen. From tacos, to beef stew, to brownies, beer can add flavor to lunches, dinners, and desserts. You can even make breakfast muffins with beer. Whatever your tastes, there’s a beer recipe out there to complement them, and each recipe will have its own unique way of using beer. But there are a few general tips that can prepare you before you get started.