Culinary Cooking Terms

What does it mean to 'Saute'?

• To cook by dry heat, usually in an oven

• To cook over high heat, usually on top of the stove, to brown food

• To cook in a small amount of fat

• To cook in the steam generated by boiling water

What is the process of 'Knead'?

• To thoroughly combine two or more ingredients, either by hand or with a mixer

• To mix by using a circular motion, going around and around until blended

• To beat sugar and fat together until fluffy

• To work dough with the heel of the hands, using a pressing motion

What does 'Julienne' mean?

• To cut food into pieces about 1/2 inch square on all sides

• To cut food into long, thin match-like strips

• To cut into very small cubes

• To cut or chop food as finely as possible

What does 'Caramelize' refer to?

• To heat sugar until a brown color and characteristic flavor develop

• To cook on a rack or spit under or over direct heat, usually in an oven

• To cook in liquid, bubbles form and either do not break or slowly break on the surface

• To heat a liquid until bubbles rise constantly to the surface, usually at 212º

What does 'Fold in' mean?

• To put dry ingredients through a sifter to break up particles and mix well

• To beat rapidly until the mixture is fluffy using a wire whisk

• To combine a delicate mixture with a more solid material using a gentle motion

• To distribute a solid fat in flour using a cutting motion

What does 'Al dente' mean?

• Tender to the tooth

• To cook by dry heat, usually in an oven

• To cook in the steam generated by boiling water

• To cut into small pieces