Cutting and Mixing Terms

To cut food into small, equal size squares about ½ inch in size

• dice

• cube

• score

• shred

To cut or break food into long, thin strips by using a knife, fork, or grater

• score

• dice

• shred

• chop

To thoroughly mix ingredients and incorporate air using a spoon, wire whisk, mixer, or food processor with an up-and-down and circular motion

• stir

• beat

• whip

• combine

To make small, straight, shallow cuts with a slicing knife in the surface of a food; often done to tenderize meat or to let sauces soak in

• soak

• score

• shred

• chop

To combine flour and solid fat by cutting the fat into tiny pieces using a pastry blender, two forks or knives, or the hands

• cut-in

• cream

• mix

• beat

To cut food into large, thick or thin flat pieces with a slicing knife. Use a sawing motion while gently pressing the knife down

• slice

• shred

• grate

• cut

To blend a delicate mixture into a heavier one, using a rubber spatula, spoon, or wire whisk in a gentle up, down, and over motion so that the mixture stays light

• beat

• whip

• fold

• combine

To beat solid fat and sugar with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until smooth, light, and creamy

• cut-in

• cream

• mix

• toss

To lightly mix ingredients by tumbling them with tongs or a large fork and spoon

• stir

• combine

• mix

• toss

To cut food into small, equal size squares about ¼ to 1/8 inch in size

• dice

• cube

• chop

• mince