Cooking Terms
Definition of Bread
To cover a food with a coating of crumbs made from bread, crackers, or cereal. The food is often dipped in a liquid such as milk or egg before coating.
Definition of Marinate
To soak in a seasoned liquid, called a marinade, to add flavor and/or to tenderize.
Definition of Combine
To mix together, usually by stirring, two or more ingredients.
Definition of Mix
To combine two or more ingredients, usually by stirring.
Definition of Baste
To spread, brush, or pour liquid (such as sauce, drippings, melted fat, or marinade) over food while it is cooking. Use a baster, brush, or spoon.
Definition of Brush
To spread a liquid coating on a food, using a pastry brush or paper towel.
Definition of Sift
To put dry ingredients through a sifter or a fine sieve to incorporate air.
Definition of Cream
To blend soften butter and sugar until smooth and light by mixing with a spoon or an electric mixer.
Definition of Stir
To mix with a circular motion of a spoon or other utensil.
Definition of Boil
To cook in liquid, usually water, in which bubbles rise constantly and then break on the surface.
Definition of dredge
To cover a food with a dry ingredient such as flour or sugar. The food may be rolled in, sprinkled with, or shaken in a bag with the dry ingredient.
Definition of Preheat
To set the oven to cooking temperature in advance so that it has time to reach the desired temperature by the start of cooking.
Definition of Cut In
To mix solid shortening with flour by cutting the shortening into small pieces and mixing until it is completely covered with the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender, two knives, or a fork.
Definition of Whip
To beat rapidly with a rotary beater, an electric mixer, or wire whisk; to incorporate air and make light and fluffy, as whipped cream or egg white
Definition of Braise
To cook meat slowly, covered and in a small amount of liquid or steam.
Definition of Flute
To form a standing edge on a pastry, such as pie crust, before baking. Press the dough with your fingers to create this scalloped edge, or use a fork to “crimp” the edge.
Definition of Beat
To mix with an over-and-over motion, using a spoon, rotary, or electric beater.
Definition of Fold In
To combine a delicate mixture, such as beaten egg white or whipped cream, with a more solid material. Insert the edge of a spoon or rubber scraper vertically down through the middle of the mixture, slide it across the bottom of the bowl, bring it up with some of the mixture, and fold over on top of the rest. Continue slowly and gently, turning the bowl often, until all is evenly mixed.
Definition of Bake
To cook in an oven or oven-type appliance in a covered or uncovered pan.
Definition of Broil
To cook under direct heat or over coals.
Definition of Grease
To rub shortening, fat, or oil, on the cooking surface of bake-ware. Use waxed paper or paper towel to spread a thin, even layer.
Definition of Blend
To combine thoroughly two or more ingredients.
Definition of Knead
To work dough by folding, pressing, and turning, until it is smooth and elastic. Place dough on a floured board, fold it in half, and press firmly with the heels of your hands. Turn the dough about a quarter turn, and repeat the folding and pressing.
Definition of Barbeque
To cook meat or poultry slowly over coals on a spit or in the oven, basting it often with a highly seasoned sauce.
Definition of Brown
To make the surface of a food brown in color by frying, broiling, baking in the oven, or toasting