| Term | Definition
|
|---|
| Porcini mushrooms | Pale brown mushrooms which can range up to 10
inches in diameter. May be available fresh in
the U.S. in some markets, but can also be found
dry. Soak dry mushrooms in hot water for about
20 minutes before using in recipes.
|
| pumpkin | A member of the squash family best known for being carved into Halloween jack-o-lanterns or turned into pie filling for Thanksgiving dinner. It also may be boiled, sliced, fried or pureed or used in soups. The French make pumpkin jam and the Italians use it as a filling for sweet ravioli. The seeds are rich in fats and protien and may be roasted and salted, as a snack or garnish.
|
| ramp | A wild onion that resembles a scallion with a strong garlic-onion flavor. Found in specialty produce markets from March to June.
|
| Red Cabbage | A misnomer because red cabbage is usually more of a purple color. A round solid head of cabbage similar to white or Dutch cabbage. In Britain, red cabbage is pickled. In the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden it is stewed with apples and spices.
Cooked red cabbage is a common side dish in German cuisine. Red cabbage is often cooked with vinegar to preserve its color. when used raw it is a colorful addition to green salads and cole slaws.
|
| ricotta cheese | An Italian cheese similar to cottage cheese but slightly grainy and sweet.
Used in dishes such as lasagna and manicotti. Low fat recipes often call for cottage cheese or a combination of cottage and ricotta as a substitute.
|
| rose hip | The reddish-orange fruit of the rose (after the petals have fallen).
High in vitamin C, they are used to make jellies and jams, syrup, tea and wine.
|
| rosewater | A perfumy flavored and fragrant distillation of rose petals often used in the cuisines of the Middle East, India and China.
|
| Rotel Tomatoes | A brand of canned tomatoes preseasoned with chopped green chili peppers, salt and spices.
They now come in a number of variations including Mexican and Extra Spicy. Most common recipe is to mix 1 pound of Velveeta cheese and a can of Rotel tomatoes and some chopped fresh cilantro, heated together and served with tortilla chips. These add zest to any number of recipes.
|
| Scald | Plunging foods with skins, such as tomatoes, into
boiling water. This loosens and splits the skin,
so it can be removed easily.
|
| Scalding milk | Heat milk to just below the boiling point. This
can slow the souring of the milk.
|
| Next page... |
