• Last updated 2/10/12 by petalsandcoco

Muscat   Definition: Muscat is very sweet black (dark red)  or white grape usually without pips .                                                                                                                                                                read more

• Last updated 2/10/12 by petalsandcoco

Roux   Definition: A roux is a general term for a variety of flour bindings. A roux can be white, brown or blond, made according to the cooks intended use and ingredients. Normally equal amounts of butter/fat and flour are used.   Example: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a pan, and the same amount of flour is added, stirring well. This roux will require 2 cups of liquid.                                                               More thoughts on Roux : Making a rhu?... read more

• Last updated 2/10/12 by petalsandcoco

Shurpa   Definition:   Shurpa is a Russian soup made with beef stock or lamb stock/mutton , onions, potatoes, tomatoes and spices , simmered until cooked . Traditional shurpa soup has  raw minced onion with crushed black pepper mixed together and is used as a garnish.  Fresh dill and sometimes a dollop of sour cream are also used.                                                                                                                                                           read more

• Last updated 2/10/12 by petalsandcoco

Skirt   Definition: Skirt steak : The area between the ribs and the hip. It is the diaphragm muscle which is long and flat with a tendancy to be tough. Years ago it was often stuffed, rolled and tied , put in a casserole dish to cook slowely with onions, and stock.                                   A few more points : Which is better for fajitas skirt steak or flank steak?                                                                                                              ... read more

• Last updated 2/9/12 by margcata

Cooking Term   Definition: Calabacita is a small Mexican green squash which tastes and looks like a zucchini or corgette.   Calabaza is an African yellow orange squash similar to a pumpkin, and looking like a heavily seeded starchy vegetable which is used in Latin American cooking and northwest African nations. It is prepared predominately in soups.               read more

• Last updated 2/9/12 by margcata

Cooking Term   Definition: Herb: Culantro Recao is a long coriander green herb frequently confused with cilantro. It hails from the Caribbean Islands and its´ green paste is the key ingredient utilized in many stews and provincial dishes.               read more

• Last updated 2/9/12 by margcata

Cooking Term   Definition: Peruvian Tuber: Papas Criollas are a tiny yellow potato with a creamy interior, dating back to the Indigenious Incas in Peru. They are the cousin of the Galician, Iberian Peninsula cachuelos, which are grown in the northwestern province of Galicia, Spain. Also another potato relative to the Peruvian Criollas, are the Criadillas in Extremadura, Spain, where Pizarro was born and the Canary Island Violet Potato, all possessing the creamy yellow interior.               read more

• Last updated 2/7/12 by margcata

Cooking Term   Definition: Chili Pepper: Pulla - Guanjuato is an indigenious chili pepper in the province of Guanjuato, Morelos and Guerrero. This chili is fruity hot and frequently used in marinades and salsas in this region. It is rarely known outside of this zone.               read more

• Last updated 2/7/12 by margcata

Cooking Term   Definition: Serrano Chili Pepper: A moderate chili pepper used fresh in Central Mexico and in guacamole and salsas. In maturity, it turns red however, sweet yet with a piquant heat that is mild.               read more

• Last updated 2/7/12 by margcata

Cooking Term   Definition:   Boniato: A west African indigenious sweet potato with a pasty starchy ivory interior, commonly prepared in stews in the Caribbean or fried and served with lime.             read more