Cooking Terms

dredge

means to coat an item of food in flour or breadcrumbs before cooking it.

cream

To beat sugar and fat together until fluffy

cut in

To combine fat and flour to form crumbs

knead

to work dough by pressing it with the heels of the hands, folding it, turning it, and repeating each motion until the dough is smooth and elastic

marinate

to soak meat in a solution containing an acid, such as vinegar or tomato juice, that helps tenderize the connective tissue

minced

to cut into small pieces

sift

to put through a strainer to separate or break up lumps.

simmer

To cook gently in a liquid just at or below the boiling point

slice

to cut into thin, flat pieces

saute

To cook food in a small amount of hot fat

grease

To rub fat on the surface of a cooking utensil or on a food itself.

roux

equal parts of fat and flour used to thicken

chop

To cut into large pieces

dice

cut into cubes

reserve

set aside

garnish

to decorate

pinch

the amount of an ingredient you can pick up between your thumb and forefinger

whisk

blend ingredients smooth, or to incorporate air into a mixture

divided

Add an ingredient to a recipe in parts

fold in

To combine a delicate mixture, such as beaten egg white or whipped cream, with a heavier mixture.