Skip to content
Automatic Discount of 35% applied at Checkout. No coupon code required.
Automatic Discount of 35% applied at Checkout. No coupon code required.

Cooking Glossary and Terminology

Greetings from SauceGal, chef, cooking teacher, and recipe editor. We put together this glossary of cooking terms for you because cooking should be fun, not confusing.

The culinary world is full of interesting techniques, cooking styles, sauces, and more that allow you to get creative and whip up delectable dishes. If you’re venturing into classic French cooking, the culinary terms can be new and unusual. When you’re working your way through a recipe and come across cooking terms that are brand new, never fear. Our extensive kitchen terminology guide is here to help you.

You'll find explanations here for culinary terms, ingredients, and techniques mentioned in our recipes, expanding your kitchen terminology knowledge. We’ll continue to expand the page based on input from our cooking friends. If you have a question, feel free to contact us.

Bon Appétit - SauceGal

Kitchen Terminology From A to Z

Understanding specific cooking terms and techniques is essential to be a skilled chef. Whether you’re interested in the difference between braising and brining or you’re hoping to uncover what’s inside Herbes de Provence, this guide is here to help.

Explore the cooking terminology below to improve your knowledge and your dishes!


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N  O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


 

A

Aïoli: The French term for garlic mayonnaise; in Italian it is allioli; in Spanish it is aliolio.

Al dente: Italian for to the tooth.  To cook a food, such as pasta, until it is al dente, is to cook it until it is tender, but still firm and not soft.

Allemande sauce:  Made from Veloute sauce thickened with egg yolks; sometimes with mushroom cooking liquid added to flavor the sauce.   From the French for "German sauce".   Try making your own Sauce Allemande using the More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet) and Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold) products. 

Andouille sausage: A spicy smoked pork sausage seasoned with garlic, used in Cajun cuisine.   Enjoy Andouille Sausage using the More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet) in this Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya.

Arborio rice: a kind of short-grained rice produced in Italy.  It is often used to make risotto because of its high starch content, which is released gradually during cooking, giving the risotto its creamy texture.

Aromatics: A mix of herbs, spices, and vegetables (often onions, carrots, celery, garlic, or ginger) that produce a pleasant aroma upon being heated in oil or fat. Aromatics typically serve as the base of the dish.

Asiago cheese: A hard, Italian cow’s milk cheese.  Aged Asiago (which is more common in the U.S.) has a crumbly texture and a complex, nutty flavor similar to Parmesan.   You can use Asiago Cheese in this Wild Game Sausages on Cheese Grits recipe featuring More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).  

Au jus: "with Juice" also see Jus.  Make a simple Au Jus for Beef or Veal using More than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) or Classic Reduced Veal Stock (Glace de Veau Gold).

Au poivre: French for with pepper, usually for a sauce or preparation incorporating crushed black peppercorns.


B

Balsamic vinegar: A true balsamic vinegar is made in Italy from grape juice that has been aged for a minimum of 12 years in wooden casks.  It is dark and thick, with a complex, powerful flavor (and very expensive).  This balsamic vinegar, often labeled astradizionale, is best used in very small amounts, drizzled over ripe fruits or risotto, for instance.  Most commercial-grade balsamic vinegars found in grocery stores are red wine vinegars sweetened and darkened with cooked grape juice or caramel coloring and flavoring. Although they are not the same as true balsamic vinegar, many are very good and flavorful, and they are most commonly used (in larger quantities than the original) for marinades, vinaigrettes, and sauces.

Barley: One of the oldest cultivated grains, barley is harvested from an annual grass.  It has a mildly sweet flavor and a chewy texture and can be used in soups, pilafs, or to make risotto.  (It is also a key ingredient in beer and whisky production.) The most commonly available form is pearled barley, which has been milled to remove the husk from the grain and steamed to remove the bran.  Enjoy using More Than Gourmet in Beef Barley Soup or Barley and Corn Salad with Basil

Basmati rice: A long-grained rice traditionally grown in India in the foothills of the Himalayas.  Its nut-like flavor and aroma enhance the flavors combined with it.  Basmati translates as queen of fragrance or the perfumed one.   Use Basmati rice and Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) in a savory dish of Wild Mushroom and Basmati Rice

Baste: To moisten food during cooking with pan juices or other liquids in order to prevent the food from drying out.   Try out your basting skills by using More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) in Rosemary and Garlic Rubbed Pork Loin with Apple Pecan Stuffing.

Béchamel: Sauce made from milk thickened with white or blond roux.

Bisque: A rich, creamy soup based on shellfish or a vegetable purée.  It is often thickened with rice and finished with cream.   Make Shrimp Bisque with Sherry using the More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).

Blackcurrants: a small, very dark purple berry with a sharp, sweet taste, often used in preserves, syrups, and liqueurs such as Cassis.   Use Blackcurrants to create a delicious Port Wine Sauce for Wild Game using More than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Blanched almonds: Almonds with their brown skins removed by being heated in boiling water and then immersed in cold water to stop the cooking.  Impress your friends by making Broccoli-Almond Soup using More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold).

Boar:  A male pig.  Use gin, vermouth, juniper berries and Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) to createa hearty stew of Drunken Boar.

Bordelaise: French for of or from Bordeaux, one of the great wine-producing regions of the world.  Sauce Bordelaise is a traditional sauce made with wine and brown stock, usually served with meat.  Make a Classic Bordelaise Sauce using More Than Gourmet Classic French Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace Gold) or Classic French Veal Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace de Veau Gold).

Borscht:  a savory Russian soup filled with beets, carrots, parsnips, carrots and potatoes.     Have a hearty Borscht soup made with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Braise: A cooking method in which the main item is browned briefly in fat and then cooked gently, covered, in a small amount of liquid.  The long, slow cooking tenderizes the foods by gradually breaking down their fibers.    Enjoy some Braised Short Ribs made with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Braising liquid: The flavorful liquid in which a braised food has been cooked.  

Brining: Marinating foods in a strong solution of water and salt.  Traditionally brining was used to preserve or pickle food.  More recently, brining, also referred to as flavor brining, has been used as a way to give flavor and juiciness to meat and poultry before grilling, broiling, sautéing, or roasting.  The brine is flavored with sweeteners and/or herbs, spices, and fruits, and those flavors are carried into the brined food by osmosis, along with additional moisture from the water in the brine.   Brine your Holiday poultry in a Savory Honey Herb Brine made using More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Brown stock: An amber-colored stock made from bones that have been browned (caramelized) and browned aromatic vegetables (typically carrot, celery, and onion) simmered in water.  Enhance your recipes and soups using More Than Gourmet's Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold Stock).

Bulgur wheat: A staple in Middle Eastern cooking, bulgur is made from whole wheat berries that have been steamed, hulled, dried and cracked.  It has a light, nutty flavor and a chewy texture and comes in fine, medium, and coarse grinds.  Bulgur is often confused with cracked wheat, which is crushed grain that has not been steamed.  Cracked wheat can be substituted for bulgur, but it needs about 15 minutes of simmering to become tender.

 


C

Candied ginger: Fresh ginger root that has been cooked in sugar syrup and then coated with granulated sugar.  It is usually available sliced or chopped and has a soft, chewy texture and the spicy complexity of fresh ginger.  Candied ginger is also referred to as crystallized ginger.  Enjoy the flavor or Candied Ginger in a delicious Velvet Carrot & Ginger Soup using More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold).

Cannellini beans: Large, white Italian beans that have a creamy texture when cooked.  They’re sometimes referred to as white kidney beans.  Great northern beans or white navy beans can be used as substitutes for cannellini beans.   Cannellini beans are excellent in the Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli recipe using More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Capers: Cooked and pickled flower buds of a bush that grows all around the Mediterranean.  They have a piquant, salty, sour, and herbal flavor and are frequently used with fish and other foods that are oily and rich.  Capers are sold in a packed in a vinegar brine or packed in salt.  Salt-packed capers should be rinsed before using to remove excess salt. Make quick and easy Chicken and Spring Vegetables in a Lemon Caper Sauce using More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold)

Caramelize: To cook food until it turns brown and has a somewhat sweet, toasted flavor. Caramelized sugar is cooked until it is at a temperature of 320 to 360 degrees, becoming a clear syrup that ranges in color from golden to dark brown.   Caramelize onions to make this delicious Hearty Onion Soup using the More Than Gourmet Classic Rendered Duck Fat (Graisse de Canard Gold) and Roasted Chicken Demi-Glace (Jus de Poulet Gold).

Carnitas:  A Mexican tradition, braised or roasted pork that is served shredded in small pieces.   It is most often enjoyed as taco or burrito filling.     Use More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) to prepare delicious Carnitas for your next Mexican themed dinner. 

Chervil: A mild-flavored herb with a subtle anise flavor and bright green, lacy leaves. Chervil is a member of the parsley family and is best in its fresh form.  If chervil is not available, substitute an equal amount of parsley, tarragon, or fennel leaves.    Enhance the flavor of your chicken, veal, vegetable or egg dishes with this nice Sauce Fines Herbes made with your choice of More Than Gourmet products. 

Chipotle pepper, chipotle chile sauce: Chipotles are dried, smoked jalapeno peppers, which are sold ground into a powder, whole, or canned in adobo sauce (a slightly sweet, tangy, red sauce).  They add an intense, smoky heat and can be found in the Mexican section of most grocery stores or in Mexican or Latin American markets.   Spice up your dinner and make Chipotle Short Ribs with Roasted Poblanos using More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Chop: To cut into bite-size or smaller pieces roughly the same size.

Chorizo: A spicy pork sausage flavored with garlic and powdered chilies.  Spanish chorizo is a hard, dry-cured or smoked sausage, which doesn’t need additional cooking; Mexican chorizo is made with fresh pork and needs to be cooked before serving.  Impress your dinner guests with a Seafood and Chorizo Paella made using Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) and Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).

Coconut milk: A thick, creamy liquid made from steeping finely grated coconut meat in hot water, then straining the coconut and pressing out the remaining liquid.  It’s a key ingredient in Thai cuisine and can be found in most grocery stores and Asian markets.  (Don’t confuse coconut milk with cream of coconut, which is highly sweetened.)  Coconut Milk is an important ingredient in this Sea Scallops in Thai Yellow Curry Sauce recipe.   It is made using More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).

Cognac: A fine brandy produced in France from a specific blend of grapes and aged in oak barrels.  It is enjoyed as a drink on its own, but it is also used to add deep, complex flavor notes to both sweet and savory dishes.  Cognac is used to make a delicious Dried Cherry Cognac Glace that can be used over beef, veal, lamb or venison.

Cointreau: A French liqueur made with bitter and sweet orange peels.  It has a mildly bittersweet orange flavor and is clear and colorless.   Make a rich Orange-Scented Sauce for Duck and Chicken using Cointreau and More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Duck & Chicken Stock (Glace de Canard Gold).

Cool Cooks:  the fine folks that cook with More Than Gourmet products.  People with great taste.

Clever, Creative Cooks:  See cool cooks.

Compote: A fruit or combination of fruits that have been slow-cooked so that it breaks down gently, releasing sweetness. Derived from the French word meaning “mixture.”

Contemporary sauces: One of the many labels given to items that lay outside the traditional French mother sauces and derivative sauces: salsas (and other “raw” sauces), broths, compotes, marmalades, chutneys, infused oils, barbecue sauces, relishes, flavored butters, purées, and many others.  They fulfill some of the classic functions sauces by adding flavor, moisture, texture, and color to a dish and have their roots in diverse ethnicities and cultures.

Coq Au Vin:  A traditional French Dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms and garlic.      You can use More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) to make a classic  Coq Au Vin.

Coriander: The seeds of the cilantro plant.  Its flavor is similar to a combination of lemon, sage, and caraway and not at all like the flavor of cilantro leaves.  Coriander is used in Indian and Latin American cooking, often in combination with cumin, and it can be found in most grocery stores.   Use More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) and Coriander to add great flavors to Cincinnati-Style Chili.

Coulis: A sauce derived from vegetables or fruits that have been pureed and placed through a sieve for a smooth consistency. Fruit coulis commonly made with raspberry or apricot before being placed on top of a dessert.

Couscous: Durum semolina (a coarsely ground wheat flour) that has been lightly moistened with water and rolled into little granules.  A staple of North African and Middle Eastern cuisines, couscous comes in many varieties with the granules ranging in size from that of a grain of sand to as large as a small pea.  It is available in most grocery stores.    Apricot Almond Couscous is a great when served with Braised Moroccan Lamb Shanks.     Use More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold) and Classic Roasted Lamb Stock (Glace de Agneau Gold) to prepare these dishes.

Cracked or crushed peppercorns: No matter what color the peppercorn (black, white, or pink . . .) its flavor will be released by cracking or crushing it.  This may be done with a mortar and pestle, or the peppercorns may be placed in a sealed plastic bag and pounded with the flat side of a meat mallet or a heavy tin can.   Use Green peppercorns in a Duck, Apple & Manchego Cheese Salad.   The duck will be moist and flavorful when prepared with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Duck & Chicken Stock (Glace de Canard Gold).

Cracklings: Tasty, crisp pieces of pork or poultry fat after it has been rendered.

Crème fraîche: A French-style soured cream with a thinner consistency and milder flavor than regular sour cream.     Serve Pea Soup with Mint warm or chilled topped off with Creme fraiche.  Make it vegetarian by using More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Cumin: The aromatic, nutty-flavored dried seed of a plant in the parsley family, cumin is used in many cuisines around the world.  It comes in three colors, white, amber, and black.  The white and amber seeds are interchangeable, but the black has a more complex, peppery flavor.  Cumin may be purchased ground or in whole-seed form.    Black Bean Soup made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold) or Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) and spiced with Cumin will be an easy family favorite.

Cure: A means of preserving meat to prevent spoilage. This can be done through brining, drying, salting, or aging the meat. Prosciutto, pastrami, and bacon are all examples of cured meats.

Curried: Any dish, typically Indian, that is flavored with many spices including Curry powder or paste.   Enjoy Curried Cauliflower and Bean Soup made with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Curry paste: A moist, concentrated blend of chilies, spices, and aromatics like kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, shallots, garlic, ginger, and shrimp paste.  Used in Thai cooking, curry paste comes in several styles.  The most common are green curry paste, which is the hottest and is made from fresh, hot green chilies; red curry paste, which is also hot and is made with dried red chilies; and yellow curry paste, which is relatively mild and flavored with turmeric.    Prepare a beautiful dish of Braised Fish with Thai Curry Sauce using Curry paste and More Than Gourmet Classic Fish Fumet Stock (Fume de Poisson Gold).

 


D

Demi-glace: Literally, half-glace. A mixture of Espagnole sauce and brown stock that has been reduced by half, to produce a glossy, full-bodied, full-flavored sauce. The term is also used more generally to refer to any reduced stock having the consistency of a light syrup.      Use one part More Than Gourmet Classic French Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace Gold) to four parts hot water to make a classic demi-glace.  Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk until completely dissolved. 

Derivative sauces: Also called petite sauces or compound sauces, they are made by adding another ingredient or multiple ingredients to the mother sauces and to demi-glace. For instance, to make Sauce Robert, white wine is added to a pan of sautéed onions and reduced, then demi-glace is added, then mustard, and finally the sauce is finished by adding butter.   You can try the different flavors of More Than Gourmet demi-glaces to create your Sauce Robert.  Try the Classic French Veal Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace de Veau Gold)Roasted Chicken Demi-Glace (Jus de Poulet Gold), or Classic Roasted Vegetable Demi-Glace (Veggie Glace Gold).

Dice: To cut ingredients into small cubes, 1/4 inch for small, 1/3 inch for medium, and 3/4 inch for large.     1 cup of Diced onions adds great flavor to Asparagus Risotto that is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Dijon mustard: A mustard made from brown or black mustard seeds, white wine, unfermented grape juice, and seasonings.  Originally from Dijon, France, this mustard is known for its sharp, complex flavor.   Dijon mustard adds a nice tangy flavor to chicken served with Creamy Mustard Chive Sauce that is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold).

Ditalini pasta: A small pasta shaped like short little tubes.   Ditalini Pasta is the perfect size to enjoy with Tina's Slow Cooked Meat Minestrone made with Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Dried currants: Dried Zante grapes, very small in size with a tart, tangy flavor and very dark color.    Dried Currants add to this Classic Rabbit Braised in Rose Wine and Balsamic Vinegar made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold).

Dried mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms that have been dehydrated. Not all mushrooms varieties can be dried, but many can, both wild and cultivated.  In some cases, drying improves their flavor. Dried mushrooms have a 10- to 12-month shelf life and may be stored at room temperature.  One pound of fresh mushrooms produces about 3 ounces of dried mushrooms.  They need to be reconstituted by soaking in hot water, and the soaking liquid (strained) may be used to add flavor to soups, sauces, and risottos.  Dried mushrooms, fresh mushrooms, sherry and More Than Gourmet Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold) really make Chef Jamie's Wild Mushroom Soup an outstanding treat for you and your guests

Dried tart cherries: Tart or sour cherries that have been dehydrated and, usually, sweetened.  Enjoy some Rice Pilaf with Butternut Squash, Pine Nuts and Dried Cherries prepared with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Dry mustard: Also referred to as English mustard, a blend of ground black or brown and yellow mustard seeds, wheat flour, and turmeric.  The most well-known brand is Colman’s.   Use Dry mustard to add a nice flavor to Corned Beef and Cabbage prepared with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Dry red wine: A red wine that is not sweet.  The best red wines to cook with are those that don’t have too much tannin (an astringent substance that has a bitter flavor and makes your mouth pucker) or oak (the toasty flavor that comes from aging in oak barrels) because those flavors tend to concentrate during cooking and can give an off flavor to the food.  Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Sangiovese wines all work well. You should cook with wines you would enjoy drinking, but not the best bottle you can find.   Prepare a nice "Au Jus" for Beef or Veal using a dry red wine and More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) or Classic French Veal Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace de Veau Gold).

Dry white wine: A white wine that is not sweet.  The best white wines to cook with have crisp acidity and little strong flavor or oak (the toasty flavor that comes from aging in oak barrels) because those flavors tend to concentrate during cooking and can give an off flavor to the food.  Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio (or the French and American Pinot Gris), Sémillon, and dry sparkling wines all work well. You should cook with wines you would enjoy drinking, but not the best bottle you can find.    Dry white wine is used to make Roast Pork Loin with Fennel and White Wine Pan Sauce made with More Than Gourmet  Rendered Duck Fat (Graisse de Canard Gold) and Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold)

Duck sausages: Sausages made from ground duck meat, duck fat, and sometimes ground pork, along with brandy or wine and a variety of seasonings.  They are available at some gourmet and specialty food stores and from several online vendors.    Duck Sausage on Polenta with Balsamic Sauce is a rare treat you should enjoy.   It is made using More Than Gourmet CClassic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

 


E

Emulsion: The mixture of one liquid with another with which it cannot normally combine smoothly (such as oil and water).  Emulsifying is done by slowly adding one ingredient to another while mixing rapidly.  This disperses and suspends minute droplets of one liquid throughout another.  Emulsified mixtures are usually thick and satiny in texture.  Mayonnaise and vinaigrette are two classic emulsions.

Escarole: A leafy green that is a member of the chicory family.  It has a slightly bitter flavor and crisp texture and can be eaten raw, braised, or added to soups and stews.    Enjoy Braised Escarole with Bacon.    It is braised in the More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) accented with garlic, chili flakes, onion and Bacon! 

Escoffier: An internationally renowned French chef (1846-1935) who literally wrote the book on French cuisine, his cookbook Le Guide Culinaire. Escoffier elevated the title of chef to that of a respected professional, modernized kitchen technique and management, and refined the key sauces (see Mother Sauces) from which the large family of classic French sauces is derived.   More Than Gourmet produces Culinary Grade stocks and sauces for home and professional kitchens based on the culinary tradition and teachings of Chef Master Auguste Escoffier.

Espagnole sauce: Also know as Spanish sauce or brown sauce, Espagnole sauce is made with reduced brown stock, herbs, tomato (fresh or purée), and caramelized mirepoix and thickened with brown roux.

Essence: A concentrated stock or extract of a flavorful ingredient such as mushrooms, truffles, celery, or leeks.    Use More Than Gourmet Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold)  in a vegetarian dish of Farro with Mushrooms and Roasted Tomatoes.

 


F

Fennel: An aromatic plant of the parsley family.   Two varieties of it are used in the kitchen: Florence or sweet fennel, has a bulbous base and long, celery-like stalks that can be used as a vegetable and feathery leaves that can be used as an herb.   All have a delicate anise flavor.  Common fennel is the variety from which fennel seeds are harvested.  They have a more intense anise flavor.    Enjoy the subtle flavor of Fennel by making Braised Fennel with Figs to go with road pork, chicken or beef.    It is prepared using More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold).

Flash point: The temperature at which a compound gives off enough vapor to ignite in the air.

Fond: This is the French word for foundation or base. In kitchens, it has two meanings: 1. Stock.  “Fond blanc” is white stock, and “fond brun” is brown stock.  2. The browned bits of meat and vegetables and drippings stuck to the bottom of a pan after cooking (usually sautéing or roasting) a piece of meat or poultry.     More Than Gourmet's Fond de Poulet Gold (Classic Chicken Stock) is beautiful chicken stock that has a deep and rich flavor.

Foundation sauce: Basic sauces that may be used in their original form, but also work as the foundation for building more complex sauces with the addition of different flavor elements such as fortified wines, vegetable purées, herbs, and spices.

Frenched: Trimmed of meat and fat between the bones of a rib cut of meat, usually a rack of lamb.      The meat in the Pepper-Crusted Rack of Venison with Morel Sauce is to be Frenched and blotted dry.  

Fruits de Mer: Seafood; French for fruits of the sea.    More Than Gourmet Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold (Classic Seafood Stock) is a perfect choice for any recipe that would benefit from the addition of a seafood or shrimp stock.   It is a premium blend of lobster, shrimp, crab and fish.    It is a perfect choice for any recipe that would benefit from the addition of a seafood or shrimp stock.

Fumet: A concentrated stock, often made from fish, used to add flavor to less intensely flavored stocks and sauces.  More Than Gourmet's Fumet de Poisson Gold (Classic Fish Fumet Stock) is a key ingredient in a Scallop, Shrimp and Cod Pot Pie.

 


G

Game sausages: Sausages made from wild game animals such as venison, rabbit, duck, and wild boar.  They are available at some specialty and gourmet markets and from online vendors.  Nestle Wild Game Sausages on Cheesy Grits prepared with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Garbanzo beans: Tan-colored legumes a little larger than green peas.  They have a mild, nutlike flavor and a firm texture.  Canned garbanzo beans are sold at most grocery stores, and some stores also stock them in dried form.  Garbanzo beans are often used in salads, soups, and stews and are the main ingredient in the Middle Eastern spread, hummus.   Garbanzo and black beans are used in Spanish Bean and Sausage Soup   Add extra flavor to the soup by using More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold) and Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold).

Ginger, fresh: Also called ginger root, a rhizome from the tropical ginger plant.  Fresh ginger usually has a light tan skin, pale yellow flesh, and a tangy, fresh, and peppery flavor.  A traditional staple in Asian and Indian cooking, ginger is now used in many cuisines around the world and is available in the produce department of most grocery stores.  (Note: the skin should be taken off with a vegetable peeler or scraped off with a spoon before chopping or mincing.)   Ground up some Fresh Ginger and use More Than Gourmet Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold) to make amazing Asian Glazed Salmon Fillets.

Ginger, ground: Dried and ground fresh ginger.  Its earthy flavor is very different from that of its fresh form, so substituting one for the other doesn’t work well.  Ground ginger adds a warm, spicy note to many dishes including soups, curries, fruit compotes, and gingerbread.  Ground ginger is one of the spices to enjoy in Pumpkin Soup with Gruyere which is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold)

Glace: Stock that has been reduced, usually by about 90%, to the consistency of a syrup when hot and the texture of hard rubber when cold.  It is traditionally used to add color and flavor to sauces.   More Than Gourmet takes pride in making it's Glace products including:  Classic French Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace Gold), Classic French Veal Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace de Veau Gold)Roasted Chicken Demi-Glace (Jus de Poulet Gold)Classic Roasted Vegetable Demi-Glace (Veggie Glace Gold) and Classic Roasted Turkey Demi-Glace (Jus de Volaille Lie Gold).

Glaze: To give a food a shiny surface by brushing it with a liquid such as sauce, icing, melted jelly, or beaten egg.   Enjoy Asian Glazed Salmon Fillets made using More Than Gourmet Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold).

Gluten-free: Containing none of the protein, gluten, found in the grains wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, and in food additives.    Substitute Rice flour for the all purpose flour in to make a Gluten-free Apple Cider Pan Gravy with Sage using More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Turkey Stock (Glace de Volaille Gold).

Gorgonzola: A cow’s milk blue cheese from Italy.  It is rich and creamy with a pungent, savory flavor.  You can substitute another creamy blue cheese such as Stilton or Roquefort.     Enjoy a rich and satisfying Roasted Cauliflower and Gorgonzola Bisque made with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Goulash:  A Hungarian stew of meat and vegetables that is most often seasoned with paprika and other interesting spices.  Use paprika, caraway sees, and More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold) to develop the flavors in a Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash.

Green peppercorn mustard: Mustard with ground green peppercorns added; most commonly available brands are French.

Green peppercorns: Peppercorns that are not fully matured.  They have a fresh, mild, tart flavor that is less complex than that of mature (black or white) peppercorns, which makes them ideal for lighter foods such as fish, chicken, and vegetables.  Green peppercorns are usually found preserved in brine, but may also be available freeze-dried.   Green peppercorns and Fish Fumet Stock (Fume de Poisson Gold) help to create unique flavors in Braised Scrod with Oranges on Fennel Puree.

Grillades:  A traditional Creole dish, braised medallions of beef, pork or veal which are often served over grits with a gravy or sauce.   At your next brunch, serve Grillades made with More Than Gourmet  Rendered Duck Fat (Graisse de Canard Gold) and Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) served over grits.

Grits: Dried ground hominy (corn that has been soaked in a lye solution to swell the kernels) that is cooked in water to make a porridge.  Grits are a traditional staple in the southern U.S. and come in a variety of grinds from fine to coarse.   Serve delicious Creamy Cheddar Grits made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold) as a nice compliment to your grilled pork or sausage.      

Ground black or white pepper: Black and white peppercorns may be purchased whole, cracked, or ground.  Whole peppercorns retain their flavor indefinitely.  Cracked or ground pepper loses its flavor over time, so freshly ground or cracked pepper is the most flavorful and best to use in most recipes.    White pepper add a spicy heat to Chinese Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimp which is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).

Gruyére cheese: A firm, pale, cow’s milk cheese from Switzerland with a rich, almost sweet, nutty flavor.   Potato Parsnip Gratin is made with potatoes, Gruyere cheese and More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) or Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold) to make a nice earthy dish.

Gumbo:  A  soup thickened with roux, okra, or file powder that contains meats, seafoods, or vegetables.  Gumbo is the official state dish of Louisiana.  Celebrate Mardi Gras by serving  Seafood Gumbo using More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).

 


H

Heavy cream: A cream that contains at least 35% milk fat, also called whipping cream.   Heavy Cream and More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) are key ingredients in a comfort food classic:  the Chicken Pot Pie.

Herbs: Fragrant plant leaves used to add flavor to foods.  Most herbs are available both fresh and dried, although some dry more successfully than others (parsley, for instance, is much better fresh than dried).  Because their flavor can be destroyed by heat, fresh herbs are best added to uncooked foods, or added to cooked foods just at the end of cooking time.  Dried herbs are best in cooked foods and should be added near the beginning of cooking time to allow their flavors to be released.   Savory Herb Biscuits can be used to make a tasty appetizer with a thin slice of duck breast and a dab of honey.

Herbes de Provence: A dried herb blend containing herbs that thrive in the warm climate of Southern France.  The blend usually includes rosemary, lavender, marjoram, basil, thyme, and summer savory.  Bay leaves, sage, and cracked fennel seeds may also be included.   Use Herbes de Provence, left-over turkey and Classic Roasted Turkey Stock (Glace de Volaille Gold) to make Turkey Orzo Soup.

Hollandaise sauce: An emulsion sauce made with a vinegar or wine reduction, egg yolks, melted butter, and lemon juice.

Hungarian paprika: This variety of paprika is considered the best quality and can usually be found in two kinds, sweet and hot.  Recipes calling for Hungarian paprika usually refer to the sweet variety.   Two tablespoons of Hungarian paprika adds special flavor to Slow-Cooked Hungarian Goulash which is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold).

 


J

Japanese bread crumbs: Also called panko, these dry breadcrumbs used in Japanese cooking are much coarser than regular bread crumbs and give food a very crisp, light, delicate, coating.   Use Japanese bread crumbs and More Than Gourmet  Rendered Duck Fat (Graisse de Canard Gold) to make Hazelnut-Crusted Potato Balls

Japonica rice: A Japanese short-grain rice that is soft and sticky when cooked.

Juniper berries: The berries of the evergreen juniper tree, which are sold dried and look like small, dark blueberries.  Their flavor is bright and resin-like and is good complement to deeply flavored ingredients like wild game.

Jus: French for juice. The natural juices released by meat during roasting.  Meat served “au jus” is served with its cooking juices.     Make a "Au Jus" for Beef of Veal using More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) or Classic Reduced Veal Stock (Glace de Veau Gold).

Jus lié: Meat juices thickened slightly with arrowroot or cornstarch.

 


K

Kalamata olives: Greek olives named for the region where they’re produced.  They are almond-shaped with a very dark purple color and a rich, fruity flavor.     Treat your guests to a lot of flavors in a Mediterranean Orzo Salad using of Kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, spinach, pine nuts and other flavors along with the More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Kale: A dark, leafy green and a member of the cabbage family.  It has a slightly peppery, slightly sweet flavor and stands up well to cooking.   Serve a Braised Kale with White Beans and Pancetta simmered in  Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold).

Kielbasa: A Polish smoked pork sausage (sometimes also containing beef) seasoned with garlic and paprika, which is usually available in pre-cooked form.   Kielbasa, pork loin chops and More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) and  Rendered Duck Fat (Graisse de Canard Gold) are used in a Braised Sauerkraut with Pork dish.

Kitchen twine: A thick, cotton string usually used for trussing meats, also known as butcher’s twine.     Layer Apple Pecan Stuffing onto a butterflied pork roast, roll it up and tie it with Kitchen twine to make a stuffed Rosemary and Garlic Rubbed Pork Loin.   Use More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) to create a flavorful juice to use while roasting the pork. 

 


L

Leek: An aromatic vegetable related to onions and garlic.  Leeks look like giant scallions and have a mild but complex onion and green vegetable flavor.  They are frequently used in soups, stews, and sautés, or they can be baked or braised and served as a side dish.   5 large Leeks are used to make Leek, Potato & Mussel Soup with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Vegetable Demi-Glace (Veggie Glace Gold).

Lemongrass: A stiff grass with a citrus aroma and a lemony flavor widely used in Asian cuisines.  To use lemongrass, peel away the tough outer leaves and mince the tender interior.   The aroma of Lemongrass, ginger and cilantro will be enjoyable as you prepare Thai Chicken Soup with Rice using More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold)

Liaison: A binder or thickening agent for soups and sauces.  Roux, egg yolks, and starches such as flour, cornstarch, and arrowroot are all liaisons.

 


M

Madeira: A fortified wine made in the Madeira islands of Portugal.  Madeira is produced in a variety of styles, from pale, light, and dry Sercial to dark, rich, sweet Malmsey.   Serve Madeira Sauce with a Prime Rib with a Peppercorn Sauce.   Use More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) to make your Madeira Sauce.

Mahogany rice: A dark purple (almost black), unmilled, short grain rice with a chewy texture and a nutty, grainy flavor.

Manchego cheese: Spain’s most well-known cheese, made from sheep’s milk and ranging in flavor from mild to sharp (depending on how long it is aged).  Manchego has a firm texture and melts well.    Manchego cheese adds nice texture and flavor to a Duck, Apple & Manchego Cheese Salad.  

Marinara: A traditional, basic Italian sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes.   Marinara sauce adds great flavor to Salmon Filets Poached in Tomato and Olive Sauce made with More Than Gourmet Fish Fumet Stock (Fume de Poisson Gold).

Marsala: A fortified wine made in Sicily with a rich, smoky, sweet flavor similar to sherry.   Who doesn't love Chicken Marsala made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold)?

Merlot: A red wine made from the merlot grape, originally grown in the Bordeaux region of France, but now grown in many regions around the world.  Called “the comfort food of red wines,” Merlot usually has a lush plum fruit flavor, some subtle herbal flavors, and moderate tannins (so it is a good wine to cook with).      Enjoy Sauce Merlot on roast veal, beef, venison or lamb.    It is made using Merlot wine and  More Than Gourmets Classic Reduced Veal Stock (Glace de Veau Gold).

Mince: To chop into very small (about 1/8- to 1/4-inch) pieces.    Mince up some garlic to use in Best Barbecue Sauce.     You can change up the flavor a bit for Chicken, Vegetables or Beef by using different More Than Gourmet Roasted Chicken Demi-Glace (Jus de Poulet Gold).  Classic Roasted Vegetable Demi-Glace (Veggie Glace Gold.  or Classic French Veal Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace de Veau Gold).

Minestrone: From Italian for the big soup, a thick Italian soup made with vegetables and pasta or rice.   Enjoy a Classic Minestrone Soup made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) and Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold).

Mirepoix: A combination of chopped aromatic vegetables (usually two parts onion, one part carrot, and one part celery) used to flavor stocks, soups, and braises.   Mirepoix is an ingredient in many of the More Than Gourmet Stocks and Sauces

Mirin: A sweet rice wine used in Japanese cooking.  Mirin can usually be found in the Asian foods section of most grocery stores.    Mirin is used in Spicy Lemon Chicken which is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold)

Morel: A wild mushroom with a spongy, honeycombed, spade-shaped cap and an earthy, smoky flavor.  Fresh morels are in season from April to June and can be found at some grocery stores and gourmet or specialty markets.  Morels are available in dried form all year at most grocery stores.  Dried morels should be well rinsed, then soaked in hot water before use.      Use More Than Gourmet Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold) to make Penne with Morels.

Mother sauces or Grand sauces: A core group of basic sauces, from which the large family of classic French sauces is derived.  The concept was originally developed and named by the nineteenth-century French chef, Antonin Careme, and it was later refined in the early twentieth century by the French chef Auguste Escoffier in his famous cookbook, Le Guide Culinaire.  The mother sauces are Espagnole, Velouté, Bechamel, Tomato, and, to a lesser degree, Hollandaise.      Make one of the five traditional French "mother sauces" based on Julia Child's French Cooking.   Julia's Classic French Tomato Sauce is prepared with More Than Gourmet's Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

 


N

Nap, Nappé, Napper: To coat with sauce.  Sauces are said to nap when they leave an opaque coating on the back of a spoon.

Nutmeg: A spice that is the seed of the tropical nutmeg tree.  Its warm, peppery flavor is excellent in baked goods (often with cinnamon and cloves) and in savory dishes such as béchamel sauce, mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, or roasted butternut squash.  Nutmeg can be bought already ground, but its volatile oils retain the most flavor when nutmeg is freshly grated with a micro plane grater or a nutmeg grater.     Enjoy a Pumpkin Sauce made with a hint of nutmeg and a sprinkling of sage over chicken, pork, vegetables or pasta.   It can be made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) or Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

 


O

Oil-cured olives: Olives that have been dry-cured (instead of brine-cured), then soaked in olive oil.  They have a dense, meaty texture and an intense, smoky flavor.  Oil-cured olives are available in many grocery stores and in gourmet and specialty food stores.

Olive oil: A flavorful, monounsaturated oil extracted from pressing tree-ripened olives.  Olive oils vary in color and flavor depending on the where they are produced, the quality of the olives, and the process by which the oil is extracted.  Extra-virgin olive oil is the oil extracted in the first pressing of the olives by a chemical-free mechanical process; it has the most intense flavor and color and usually about 1 % acidity.  Oils labeled virgin are also first-press oils and usually have about 1 to 3% acidity.  Oils labeled just olive oil or pure olive oil are a combination of extra-virgin or virgin oil and refined olive oil. These have the lightest flavor and are usually lighter in color.  High heat destroys the flavor and aroma of extra-virgin and virgin olive oil, so they’re best for dressings or finishing dishes, while pure olive oil is better for high-heat cooking.   Olive oil is stirred in with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold), red wine vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, juniper berries, thyme and black pepper to make a marinade used in Venison Stew.

 


P

Pan sauce: see Reduction sauce

Paprika: A spice made from ground dried chilies.  Paprika varies in heat and flavor depending on where and how it is made.   Make a rub that includes paprika and a sauce that uses More Than Gourmet Classic French Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace Gold) to serve up Southwest Grilled Steaks with Spicy Red Wine Sauce.

Parmigiano Reggiano, imported Parmesan: One of the world’s great cheeses, made in a region of northern Italy under stringent guidelines from skimmed or partially skimmed cow’s milk.  It has a hard, granular texture, a straw-yellow color, and an intense, rich, sharp flavor and is often used in cooking grated over risottos, pastas, or salads.      1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and More Than Gourmet Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold) to create a Luxurious Turkey-Mushroom Risotto.

Parsnips: Root vegetables that look like white carrots.  Parsnips have a sweet, earthy flavor and are in season in the fall and winter.    Parsnips and other root vegetables along with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold) or Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) to make a Autumn Vegetable Bisque.

Pearl onions: Mild flavored small onions about the size of large marbles.  They must be boiled in water for about 30 seconds, then transferred to ice water to loosen their skins so the skins can be removed.  Frozen pearl onions, which do not need peeling, are also usually available at most grocery stores.     Pearl onions glazed with balsamic vinegar add rich deep tone to More Than Gourmet's Favorite Lamb Stew.    It is made with Classic Roasted Lamb Stock (Glace d'Agneau Gold).

Pesto: From Italian for pounded, a thick sauce made from grinding together (with a mortar and pestle) or puréeing a fresh herb, garlic, and nuts or seeds, and adding olive oil and sometimes a grated cheese.  Traditional pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, but pesto may also be made with mint, cilantro, and other herbs, nuts, and cheeses.   Use a prepared pesto and More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold) to make a Basil Sauce de Mer to enjoy over a prepared fish.

Piccata: An Italian dish in which boneless veal, chicken, or turkey is pounded thin, sautéed, and served with a sauce made from the pan drippings, lemon, parsley, and butter.

Pilaf: A dish in which a grain (traditionally rice) is sautéed quickly in butter and then cooked in a flavorful stock or water with various seasonings.     Enjoy Rice Pilaf with Pancetta, Sage and Parmesan made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold).

Pinbones: The little white bones you see near the center of a fish fillet, which need to be removed.  Run your fingers across them to loosen the tops, then pull them out with needle-nose pliers.   Be sure to remove all the pinbones from  your fish filets before serving Sicilian Tomato Pesto Fish Sauce with Spaghetti.   It is made using More Than Gourmet Fish Fumet Stock (Fume de Poisson Gold).

Pine nuts: The edible seeds contained in the pine cones of several varieties of pine trees.  Pine nuts have a light, delicate flavor, and are called pignoli in Italian and piñons in Spanish.   Enjoy a Rice Pilaf with Butternut Squash, Pine Nuts and Dried Cherries.     Keep it vegetarian and make it with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Piquant: having a pleasantly sharp taste of appetizing flavor.    Roasted Red Pepper Sauce adds a hit of piquant flavor to meat, chicken, fish or vegetables.  It can be made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold) or Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Poivrade: French for made with pepper.     Enjoy Sauce Poivrade with grilled or roasted beef, pork veal or game.     It can be made with  Classic French Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace Gold)  or choose another More Than Gourmet Stock or Sauce based on what protein will be serving

Polenta: A popular Italian dish made from cornmeal cooked with water or milk.  The term is also used to refer to the cornmeal from which the dish is made.  Make a Pumpkin Polenta as a great fall side dish to serve at your next dinner party.    It can be made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) or Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Porcini: A wild mushroom with a deep, woodsy flavor, also called cepe in French.  Porcinis are rarely available fresh in the U.S., but dried porcinis may be found in most grocery stores.  Like other dried mushrooms, they must be soaked in hot water before use.    Baked Brown Rice Risotto with Mushroom and Peas uses dried Porcini mushrooms and More Than Gourmet Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold).  It is a unique dish that you can toss in seasonal vegetables with to make it a bit different every time you make it.

Port: A strong, sweet, fruity, fortified wine usually red or brown in color, made in Portugal.    Serve a Port Wine Sauce over Wild Game made with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Purée: To grind or mash food until it is a smooth paste.  This can be done in a food processor or blender, or the food may be forced through a sieve or ground with a mortar and pestle.   Celebrate the sweet and savory flavor of carrots by making a Carrot Puree made with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

 


R

Ravigote: From the French ravigoter, “to invigorate.”   Enjoy the classic French Sauce Ravigote served over fish, shellfish, poultry, veal or pork. 

Reconstitute: To restore a dehydrated or dried food to its original state by adding water or another liquid.     Reconstitute More Than Gourmet Stocks and Sauces to create amazing flavors and recipes.

Red chili paste: A flavorful, thick Asian hot sauce made with ground red chilies, oil or vinegar, and salt.  Some chili pastes also include other flavors such as garlic or ginger.

Reduce: To boil a liquid rapidly until the volume is reduced by evaporation, thickening the liquid’s consistency, and intensifying its flavor.  The resulting liquid is referred to as a reduction.

Reduction sauce: A sauce made by adding a flavorful liquid (stock or wine) to pan juices from roasted or sautéed meat, poultry, or fish (after the main item has been removed from the pan), reducing the liquid by about half, enriching the sauce with fat (butter, cream, or olive oil) and finishing it with seasonings.  This version of a reduction sauce is also called a pan sauce because it’s made in the pan in which the main ingredient of the dish was cooked.  Reduction sauces can have more layers, such this raspberry sauce for chicken or pork tenderloin: Raspberry vinegar and minced shallots are added to the sauté pan and reduced to just a glaze; Port wine is added and reduced by ¾; chicken stock and a small amount of raspberry jam are added, and the sauce is reduced again until it is nappé. The sauce is finished with a couple tablespoons of butter and final seasoning.

Render: To melt animal fat over low heat so that it separates from any connective pieces of tissue, which, during rendering, turn brown and crisp and are referred to as cracklings.  Often, the rendered fat is then filtered to remove any residue.   Use the rendered pork fat and More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) to make traditional Carnitas.

Riesling wine: A delicate white wine with a complex, fruity, floral, lightly spiced flavor.  It is made in a variety of styles ranging from sweet to dry.   Pair a Riesling wine with Braised Duck Legs with Apples and Ginger made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Duck & Chicken Stock (Glace de Canard Gold).

Roast: A dry heat cooking method in which food is cooked in an oven in an uncovered pan in order to produce a well-browned exterior and a moist interior.    Enjoy the tantalizing aromas from the Garlic and Mustard Crusted Standing Rib Roast Au Jus made with Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Roma tomato: Also called a plum tomato; a meaty, oval-shaped tomato with a relatively low water content that makes it ideal for roasting, canning, and making tomato sauce.    Enjoy rich tomato flavor by making Seafood Risotto with Grilled Roma Tomatoes made using More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold) or Fish Fumet Stock (Fume de Poisson Gold).

Roux: A cooked mixture of equal parts flour and fat (usually butter) used to thicken liquids.  Roux is cooked to varying degrees (white, blond, or brown) depending on its use; the darker the color, the richer the flavor.     Use a roux and More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold) to create a rich and creamy Lobster Bisque.

 


S

Saffron: A spice consisting of the dried stigmas of crocus flowers.  It imparts a bright yellow color to food, and its flavor has been described as slightly bitter and metallic but also sweet, with aromas of honey and hay.  Because it must be harvested by hand during a short season in the fall, saffron is very expensive but a small amount goes a long way.  The best saffron is sold in the form of dried threads. It is available in powdered form, but powdered saffron loses its flavor quickly and often is mixed with other products that further reduce its flavor.  Enjoy Seafood in Saffron Broth made with More Than Gourmet Fish Fumet Stock (Fume de Poisson Gold).

Sauté: A cooking method in which food is cooked quickly in a small amount of fat over direct, moderate to high heat.  Sautéing is best for relatively thin, tender cuts of meat, poultry or fish (like steaks, chops, or filets) and crisp vegetables.   Use More Than Gourmet Rendered Duck Fat (Graisse de Canard Gold) to create Superlative Sauteed Mushrooms

SauceGal: cook, researcher, food writer and instructor.  We're glad she's on our team.

SauceGuy: He’s the CEO and Founder.  We love him. What else are we to say?

Scallions: Also called green onions or spring onions.  Scallions are immature onions with a small bulb and long, slender green leaves.  Both the white and green parts may be used in cooking and have a delicate, chive-like onion flavor.    Create a lovely side dish of Potatoes and Scallions made with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Shallot: A member of the onion family that is smaller than most onions and formed more like garlic, with a head usually composed of 2 or 3 cloves covered in papery tan- or rose-colored skin.  Its flavor is milder and more complex than an onion’s.    Enjoy Kale with Caramelized Shallots made with More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold) or Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold).

Sherry: A fortified wine originally made in Spain.  It is made in a wide range of styles from pale, delicate, dry Fino to sweet, full-flavored, dark Oloroso (also labeled golden or cream sherry).   1/2 cup of dried sherry adds a great flavor to Sherried Tomato Soup made with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Shiitake mushroom: Also called golden oak or forest mushroom.  A mushroom originally cultivated in Japan with a wide, shallow cap and a narrow, tough stem.  The shiitake has a lower water content than many other mushrooms, which gives it a meaty texture, along with its rich, buttery flavor.  Fresh and dried shiitakes are available at many grocery stores.  The tough stems should always be removed before cooking, but they can be used to flavor soups, sauces, or stocks.   The savory shitake mushrooms and a unique touch to Chinese Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimp made with Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold)

Shiraz wine: A deep-colored red wine produced from Shiraz grapes in Australia.  The wine is produced in many other regions of the world where it is called Syrah, as is the grape.  Shiraz is a relatively tannic wine with deep blackberry, spice, and pepper flavors.   Enjoy Shiraz wine with a Beef, Mushroom, and Potato Stew made with Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).

Simmer: To cook food gently in liquid just below the boiling point, where tiny bubbles break the surface of the liquid.   Simmer bratwursts in beer, water, and More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) to make Wisconsin worthy Bratwursts Braised in Beer.

Soy sauce: A complex, dark, salty sauce made from fermented soy beans and wheat, often used in Asian cooking.  Different regions of Asia produce different soy sauces, which vary in flavor, as well as consistency, fragrance, and degree of saltiness.   A touch of Soy sauce enhances the flavors of Asian Glazed Salmon Fillets.

Sriracha sauce: A chili sauce originally produced in Thailand made from ripe chilies, sugar, salt, and vinegar.  It has a hot-sweet-sour-salty flavor and a ketchup-like consistency.  Sriracha sauce is used as a condiment to add heat and flavor to soups, sauces, and other dishes.   Add a Thai twist to Sophie's Simple Chicken Noodle Soup by adding a splash of Sriracha sauce.  The soup is a favorite made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold).

Stew meat: Meat cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces used to make a stew.  The best cuts for stew meat are from the beef chuck or round, lamb shoulder, pork shoulder, or veal shoulder and breast.  Beef stew meat and More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) make a great start to Beef and Vegetable Soup.

Stilton cheese: A blue cheese made in England from whole cow’s milk.  It has a rich, creamy, but slightly crumbly texture and mellow, yet pungent flavor.

Stock: A flavorful liquid prepared by simmering meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables in water with aromatics and seasonings for a long period of time, so their flavor is transferred to the water.  Stock is used as a base for soups, sauces, and many other dishes.     More Than Gourmet has been producing authentic French stocks based on classic culinary tradition for over 25 years.  Check out the many flavors of More Than Gourmet Stocks.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Tomatoes that are dried in the sun or by other artificial methods.  Drying makes the tomatoes chewy and concentrates their flavors and their sweetness.  Sun-dried tomatoes are usually packaged oil-packed in jars or dry-packed in plastic bags.  The dry-packed tomatoes should be soaked in oil or another liquid to make them tender enough to cook or eat.   Kathleen's Tomato Soup is made with Sun-dried tomatoes and More Than Gourmet Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).

Swiss chard: A member of the spinach and beet families with a wide central stem and glossy green, crinkled leaves.  It has a hearty, slightly bitter flavor and can be braised or used in soups, stews, or gratins. (The stems are edible but take longer to cook than the leaves, so the leaves.)   Use More Than Gourmet Fish Fumet Stock (Fume de Poisson Gold) to prepare and enjoy Steamed Clams with Smoked Ham and Swiss Chard.

 


T

Tarragon vinegar: A vinegar, usually a white or white wine vinegar, flavored by steeping tarragon leaves and stems in it.  Tarragon vinegar has a tarragon aroma and a mild anise flavor.

Thai chile: A small, curved, slender chile that is very hot, ranking about 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.  Thai chiles can be red or green and are used in many Thai dishes, including soups and stir-fries.  The dried form of the Thai chile is called a bird chile because of its resemblance to a beak.   A Thai Chile pepper adds great taste to Steamed Mussels with Chile & Lemongrass made with Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).  Be sure to serve it with some crusty French bread.

Thai fish sauce: Known as nam pla in Thai, a pungent, amber-brown liquid condiment made from salted, fermented fish, used to flavor many different dishes.  Fish sauces are used in several other Asian cuisines and can vary in color, flavor, and pungency. Fish sauce is known as nuoc nam in Vietnamese and shottsuru in Japanese.     A main course of Thai Scallops & Spinach over Rice will be a treat for you and your guests.  It is made using Thai fish sauce and More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).

Thermometer (instant-read): A thermometer that looks like a metal skewer with a temperature gauge on the end.  When inserted into a food, it will show the internal temperature in a few seconds, but it is not left in the food during cooking. Instant-read thermometers come in both digital and dial-face models and are available at stores that carry cooking equipment.   Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of The Sauce Guys Simple Roast Veal Tenderloin during the cooking process to make it just right for you.    This Roast is made with More Than Gourmet Classic French Veal Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace de Veau Gold).

Toasted coconut shreds: Coconut meat that has been shredded and dried.  It is available in sweetened and unsweetened form.  To toast coconut shreds, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and put it in a 350-degree oven for several minutes. Watch carefully and stir once or twice to make sure the coconut colors evenly.    Toasted Coconut shreds are a nice garnish for Thai Scallops & Spinach over Rice.  this dish is made using More Than Gourmet Classic Seafood Stock (Glace de Fruits de Mer Gold).

Tomato sauce: Sauce made from briefly cooked, puréed tomatoes, seasonings, and other ingredients, depending on its use.    Make Julia's Classic French Tomato Sauce using More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) along with other delicious ingredients.

Truffles: A round, irregularly shaped fungus with wrinkled skin that ranges in color from black to off-white with a complex, earthy aroma and flavor. Considered a culinary delicacy, they are usually shaved or cut in very thin slices to flavor a variety of dishes. Truffles grow 3 to 12 inches underground near the roots of trees and are located by hunters with the help of well-trained dogs or pigs; they are consequently quite expensive.  Fresh truffles can be found in specialty markets in the fall and winter.    Serve Sauce Periguex made with Truffles and More Than Gourmet Classic French Demi-Glace (Demi-Glace Gold) with filets, veal or eggs. 


V

Vegetarian/vegan diet: A vegetarian diet is free of meat, poultry, and fish.  A vegan diet is free all animal-based food products including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, butter, cheeses, and other dairy products.  More Than Gourmet has three Vegan stocks and sauces allowing you to create your own dishes with much less effort.   Try the Classic Mushroom Essence (Essence de Champignon Gold), the Classic Roasted Vegetable Demi-Glace (Veggie Glace Gold), and the Classic Vegetable Stock (Veggie-Stock Gold).   You are going to love them all!

Vegetable oil: A broad term for oils derived from plants, including those such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, and safflower oil.  Most are refined and filtered to produce a relatively neutral taste and are used for frying, baking, and general cooking.

Velouté: Sauce made from a white stock thickened with white roux.    Develop a Classic Veloute sauce using More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold)



Vermouth: 
A fortified wine, based on white wine and flavored with a variety of botanicals including herbs, spices, flowers, and seeds, according to the maker’s formula.  Vermouth comes in two types: sweet, which is red in color and usually used in cocktails, and dry, which is white in color and is frequently used in cooking as well as in cocktails.  Dry vermouth may also be substituted for dry white wine in cooking.   Marinate chunks of wild boar in Vermouth, gin and juniper berries to enjoy a dish of Drunken Boar.   It is made using More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold) and  Rendered Duck Fat (Graisse de Canard Gold).

 


W

Walnut oil: Oil extracted from walnuts.  It has a distinctly nutty flavor and clear, gold color and can be found in supermarkets, specialty markets, and natural food stores.  It should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it from becoming rancid.    Toss some green beans with walnuts and Walnut oil to make a simple side dish for Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb that is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Lamb Stock (Glace d'Agneau Gold).

White stock: a light-colored stock made from bones that have not been browned and aromatic vegetables (typically carrot, celery, and onion) simmered in water.

Whole-grain mustard: Prepared mustard in which the mustard seeds are mixed in whole instead of ground to create a rustic, grainy texture.   Use Whole grain mustard and bourbon to make Maple Mustard Pan Sauce to serve with pork, duck or chicken.    Using More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold) or Classic Roasted Duck & Chicken Stock (Glace de Canard Gold) will elevate the taste of the sauce.

Wild mushrooms: Varieties of mushrooms that are not cultivated commercially but are gathered in the wild such as morels and porcini.   Savor chunks of tender chicken and wild mushrooms bathed in a creamy sauce when you prepare Chicken and wild Mushrooms Supreme made with More Than Gourmet Classic Chicken Stock (Fond de Poulet Gold).

 


Z

Zest: The colorful outer peel (not the white pith) of a citrus fruit, which contains flavorful aromatic oils.  Zest is scraped off the fruit (with a vegetable peeler, a micro plane grater, or a citrus zester) and is used to add citrus flavor to savory and sweet dishes.    Spicy Lemon Chicken is made with grated lemon zest and More Than Gourmet Classic Roasted Chicken Stock (Glace de Poulet Gold).

Zinfandel wine: A medium- to full-bodied red wine with spicy berry and pepper flavors, made from the zinfandel grape.    Zinfandel wine goes well with  Beef and Pepper Stir-Fry that is made with More Than Gourmet Classic Reduced Brown Stock (Glace de Viande Gold).