Ingredient Glossary

A key ingredient to cooking success is knowing a little something about the ingredients themselves. Here is some useful information on what to look for, how to buy, where to store, and how to prepare meals with them.

All-purpose flour

All-purpose flour is milled from the inner part of the wheat kernel. It's a combination of hard (high-protein, like bread) and soft (low-protein, like cake and pastry) flours, and is suitable for most uses. For best results, avoid bleached flour.

Allspice

This dried seed pod comes from evergreen trees and has the flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This spice is also known as Jamaican pepper for its peppercorn-like appearance, and its growth on the island of Jamaica.

Almond extract

Almond extract is made from bitter-almond oil and is usually combined with ethyl alcohol. If stored in a cool, dark place, it will keep indefinitely.

Anaheim peppers

Also called Green Chiles. Mildly hot.

Angel hair pasta

Spaghetti made in very fine strands.

Artichokes

Artichokes can be purchased fresh or canned. Use a scissors to trim the top fourth of the outer leaves and the stem. Soak to clean thoroughly. With a stainless steel knife, slice off the top quarter of the pale green cone. Rub all cut surfaces with lemon to maintain color. Cook by steaming, or simmer in boiling water with additional lemon juice, covered, for 40 minutes, or until tender. Scoop out the fuzzy choke with a spoon and discard. The artichoke heart is below the choke.

Asiago

An Italian cheese with a rich nutty flavor.

Baking powder

A derivative of baking soda. Baking powder is a double action leavener that is activated when mixed with a liquid.

Baking soda

Use this leavener with pastries that contain acid to make them rise. Instead of baking soda, use baking powder with recipes that contain little to no acid (baking powder already contains acid).

Balsamic vinegar

A sweet but pungent vinegar. A bottle of medium-quality balsamic vinegar will cost around $10, and is well worth the price.

Bay leaf

This leaf comes from the evergreen bay laurel tree in the Mediterranean. If used whole, remove bay leaves from a dish before serving.

Bibb lettuce

Small, tight leaves that have a crunchy sweetness.

Black pepper

Black peppercorns are the strongest of all peppercorns. You can buy black pepper as cracked or finely ground, but freshly ground pepper is always the best.

Boston lettuce

Tender, pale green leaves.

Brown sugar

Brown sugar is white sugar mixed with molasses. To create, add two tablespoons molasses to one cup white sugar.

Butter

Butter can be purchased salted or sweet. For cooking purposes, sweet butter can be purchased, since salt can be added as needed to any recipe. For great results, replace butter with Crisco butter flavored shortening sticks.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is made by adding a culture to whole or skim milk, giving it a thicker texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

Canola oil

A neutral oil that is great for cooking, because it is low in saturated fats and doesn't detract from the flavor of the foods being cooked. For best results, use Crisco Canola Oil.

Capers

Pickled small buds of the caper bush, known for their pungent flavor.

Cardamom

An aromatic spice native to India.

Cayenne pepper

A very hot pepper. Red when fully matured. Long and thin.

Chickpeas

Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are often used in salads.

Chile peppers

There is a wide variety of chile peppers that vary in hotness. Chiles can be purchased fresh, dried, or in jars. To prepare: Remove seeds and membranes (or leave seeds in to increase intensity), but be careful not to touch your eyes after handling the peppers.

Chives

Chives belong to the onion family and can be snipped to add flavor to salads or other dishes. The chive plant is also an easy-to-grow perennial with purple flowers.

Chocolate

Chocolate can be bought as unsweetened, bittersweet, semi-sweet, extra-bittersweet, and sweet. While some of these chocolates can often be interchanged in recipes, it is best to bake with whichever chocolate is called for in your recipe.

Chutney

An Indian condiment made of spices and fruits or vegetables. Chutney can be purchased ready-made or prepared using one of the many available recipes.

Cilantro

Somewhat similar in appearance to parsley, but its distinctive, sharp flavor is used to make salsa.

Cinnamon

A sweet-hot spice that comes from the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree, which curls into rolls when dried. These rolls can be made into sticks, or ground for powdered cinnamon.

Clove

A pungent and sweet spice, sold whole or ground.

Coconut

Available sweetened or unsweetened, shredded or flaked, moist or frozen.

Confectioners' sugar

A powdered sugar that is best for recipes that will not be cooked. Best used in frostings or sprinkled on top of baked goods.

Cooking spray

Unlike other cooking sprays, Crisco Cooking Spray contains no alcohol. It has a light taste and a buttery aroma. Compared to the leading cooking spray, Crisco Cooking Spray scorches less and has over 120 more uses.

Corn oil

Crisco Canola Corn Oil has 25% less saturated fat than corn oil, and like corn oil, has 14 grams of fat per serving.

Cornstarch

One of the most useful thickening agents in the kitchen. Mix with a small amount of water before adding to other foods.

Couscous

Often mistaken for rice, couscous is actually a pasta product. To cook, add equal amounts of couscous and boiling water to a bowl. Cover and let sit for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to fluff.

Cream of tartar

An acidic, white powder that can be used to make baking powder.

Cumin

Adds a bitter taste to many curries, soups, stews, and vegetable dishes.

Currants

Similar to raisins, but not as sweet.

Dijon mustard

A smooth, creamy French table mustard that is often made with white wine. A delicious alternative to plain yellow mustard.

Dill

A feathery annual herb, available fresh or dried at the grocery store. Try growing your own by sprinkling some seeds on the ground in the spring.

Eggplant

A relative of the tomato that is mild in taste, and great grilled, broiled, sautéed, or roasted. Buy eggplants that are long in shape. Keep refrigerated.

Fennel

Mild licorice flavor. The feathery tops can be used as an herb to flavor soups and stews. The broad base is chopped for use in salads or other recipes.

Feta cheese

Salty, soft white cheese that is often crumbled over Greek salads.

Field greens

Available in the bagged salad section, field greens offer convenience and variety.

Garlic

One of the most important seasonings and a wonderful cooked vegetable. Buy garlic loose and store at room temperature in a dark and dry spot.

Gelatin

A thickening agent that, when dissolved in hot water, thickens whatever food it's been added to.

Gingerroot

Gingerroot can be purchased fresh in most grocery stores. Simply break off the amount you need or a small chunk. Prepare by peeling and finely chopping. Store leftover gingerroot in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Granulated sugar

The white sugar used in everyday baking.

Habañero pepper

Also known as Scotch Bonnet. The hottest commercially grown pepper. Generally green, red, orange, or yellow in color.

Hazelnuts

Rich, sweet nuts that are often ground or roasted in pastries, cookies, and other desserts.

Honey

An all-natural sweetener.

Horseradish

Fresh horseradish is known for its pungent, spicy flavor. To prepare fresh: Scrub root thoroughly, scrape brown peel, and grate as a condiment or as an ingredient in marinades.

Iceberg lettuce

The traditional salad green. Try combining it with other greens to add variety to your salads.

Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

Italian-seasoned bread crumbs typically combine cheese and spices, such as oregano and parsley.

Jalapeño pepper

Usually green, but sometimes red. Moderately hot, with an immediate bite.

Jicama

Also known as a Mexican potato, jicama is a tuber from Central America and Mexico. To prepare: Simply peel immediately before serving for a crisp and juicy snack. It can also be lightly cooked.

Kale

A member of the cabbage family. Prepare by removing tough stems. If cooking, boil about 1 minute in salted water.

Lasagna

Pasta in wide, flat strips.

Leaf lettuce

Mild and fresh flavor. Curly edged leaves often have red tips.

Leeks

Leeks are members of the onion family that have a milder taste and look like large green onions. To prepare: Cut off base and tough dark green stems. Slice remainder in half, and swish in water to remove grit. Pull apart layers to be sure that all dirt is removed.

Macaroni

Pasta in the form of tubes or in various other shapes, often baked with cheese, ground meat, etc.

Mango

Although most people think of the mango as an exotic fruit, it is actually one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the world. Mangos usually range in color from green to red, and the taste is described as a combination of peach and pineapple or peach and melon.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is thought of as cheese, but it is actually pasteurized cow's cream that is fresh tasting and spreadable. It is used in Italian desserts, like Tiramisu, but it is also excellent as a topping for green salads and fruit salads.

Mint

A perennial herb that is available fresh or dried. Try it in tabouli salad. Mint is easy to grow, but don't let it take over your garden.

Mushrooms, portobello

Portobello mushrooms are often available fresh in the grocery store. They have a meaty texture and are versatile. Try them marinated and grilled as interesting additions to salads.

Mushrooms, shiitake

Available fresh or dried. Very rich flavor is excellent in dressings and marinades. To prepare dried mushrooms: soak in very hot water for 20-30 minutes. Be sure to add some of the soaking water to dressing or marinade recipes.

Nutmeg

A nutty spice used mostly in baking. Use sparingly.

Olive oil

An all-purpose oil that comes in two different varieties: "extra-virgin" olive oil, which comes from the first cold pressing of olives; and "pure" olive oil, which may be extra-virgin oils that didn't make the grade.

Olives, kalamata

Kalamata olives are dark purple/brown olives that are imported from Greece. Their meaty, salty texture is a great addition to salads.

Olives, niçoise

Niçoise olives originated in France; they are purple/black or green and milder than kalamata olives.

Oregano

A member of the mint family, used largely in Italian cooking.

Orzo

Pasta that is shaped like rice, and can be used in place of rice. Excellent in salads and main dishes.

Papaya

Papayas are semitropical fruits that are sweet and juicy.

Paprika

Ground dried red peppers.

Parsley

Parsley is an herb. Use fresh Italian flat leaf or curly parsley in salad recipes. Chopped, it makes a pleasing addition to salads, both in appearance and taste.

Parsnips

Parsnips are root vegetables that look like white carrots. They have a sweet, nutty flavor. Try cooking them just until they are tender and sprinkling them with some fresh herbs for a simple salad.

Penne

A cylindrical pasta.

Peppers

There are a number of mild to hot peppers to choose from when preparing a variety of dishes. Here are a few of the more popular ones listed in order of mild to hot:

Pesto

Basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Great with pasta.

Pine nuts

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and are excellent additions to green salads.

Poppy seeds

Tiny black seeds from the poppy flower that add a crunch and sweetness to muffins and other baked goods.

Pomegranate seeds

Pomegranate seeds are attractive additions to green or fruit salads. To prepare: Cut fruit in half and remove seeds.

Quinoa

Quinoa (keen-wah) is one of the oldest grains. It is gaining popularity because of its nutritional profile. It's considered a complete protein because it contains all eight essential amino acids. To prepare: Rinse quinoa to remove coating. Boil 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups of water, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. When cooked, the quinoa will become corkscrew-shaped. Add cooked quinoa to salad recipes or use in place of bulgur wheat in tabouli.

Radicchio

A red miniature leaf with a slightly bitter flavor.

Romaine lettuce

Gaining in popularity as a replacement for iceberg, romaine lettuce has dark green leaves and a crunchy texture.

Romano, Pecorino

An Italian hard cheese that is often used in place of Parmesan cheese.

Rotini

Corkscrew pasta that is often used in pasta salads.

Scallions/green onions

Mild onions that can be trimmed and chopped for use in salads. Green onions can also be grilled with other vegetables. After the root end is trimmed, almost all of the green and white part can be used.

Serrano pepper

Red or green. Moderatly to very hot, with an intense bite.

Shallots

A cross between onion and garlic that is subtle in flavor.

Shortening (Crisco)

Crisco shortening contains 50% less saturated fat than butter, blends more easily, and does not require refrigeration. For easier use, try Crisco shortening sticks.

Spaghetti

Pasta in the form of long, thin strings, cooked by boiling or steaming and served with a sauce.

Spinach

A vegetable with deep green leaves that are suitable for mixing with other greens or as the only salad green.

Spring mix

Often found as pre-bagged greens in the supermarket section. Composed of the earliest greens, or baby greens, for the most tender selections.

Tarragon

A licorice-flavored herb that is used in French cooking, mostly with chicken or shellfish. Use sparingly.

Tomatoes, sun-dried

Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated flavor. They are either packed in oil or dry. To use the oil-packed tomatoes, simply chop and add to your recipe, or use in salads. Dried tomatoes should be soaked in hot water for 15 to 30 minutes, and then chopped.

Vanilla

Vanilla comes in two forms: vanilla beans and vanilla extract. In most cases, good quality vanilla extract will be sufficient in a recipe.

Vegetable oil

Crisco Vegetable Oil is all-natural, and its light taste makes it good for all of your cooking and baking needs.

Vermicelli

Spaghetti-like pasta, but in thinner strings.

Whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour contains the germ and the bran that has been removed from white flour. It is better for you, but not everyone likes its stronger flavor. Store in the freezer.