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Food Definitions are quick answers to common misperceptions or vague details about foods and how to prepare them properly.

What is Soy?

Featured Article: What is Soy?

Soy can be found in soy milk, soy cheese products, soy sauce and other foods and can offer many health benefits. It is a good source of protein, it's low in saturated fats and contains no cholesterol. Read this article to learn more about how to add soy to your diet. See more »

What is the difference between espresso and drip coffee?

What is the difference between espresso and drip coffee?

The main differences between espresso coffee and drip coffee are the fineness of the grind and the brewing time. Read this article to learn about the differences between drip and espresso coffee.

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What is the difference between jelly jam and preserves? And what exactly is Jell-O?

What is the difference between jelly jam and preserves? And what exactly is Jell-O?

Ever wondered what the difference between jelly, jam and preserves is? And while we're on the topic, what exactly is Jell-O? Check out this article to learn you answers to these questions.

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Food Definitions

Food Definitions

Food definitions can help you understand your diet better and help you with your cooking. Learn the difference between foods and what they mean here. Find tips on cooking with cornstarch, find your answers to herb questions, and even discover a fun Italian cooking quiz.

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Sherbet vs. Sorbet

Sherbet vs. Sorbet

Almost every grocery store sells sorbet and sherbet in the ice cream section, but what's the difference? Sorbet and sherbet contain the same ingredients, but sherbet contains additional ingredients as well. Learn more about sorbet and sherbet here.

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What are French Fries?

What are French Fries?

American french fries have nothing to do with France. It is named for the cooking term frenching, which means to cut in lengthwise strips. Find out more about french fries, including what the are actually called in France.

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What are Kumquats?

What are Kumquats?

The kumquat is a member of the citrus family resembling a tiny orange. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be candied, pickled and made into chutney, jellies and jams. Come learn more about these delicious little treasures.

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What are Parsnips?

What are Parsnips?

Parsnips are a hardy and sweet root vegetable similar to carrots. They are delicious baked, steamed, roasted, and raw. Come find out more about these unique white vegetables.

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What are Soy Crumbles?

What are Soy Crumbles?

Soy crumbles serve as a vegetarian alternative to ground beef. It contains a large amount of protein, like meat does, but contains less amounts of fat and cholesterol. Learn more about soy crumbles in this article.

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What Does Scant Mean?

What Does Scant Mean?

"Scant" means "just barely." When cooking, scant refers to a very small amount of a seasoning or an ingredient. Learn more about scant cooking amounts here.

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What is a Sprig?

What is a Sprig?

A sprig is a small piece of an herb used in cooking. Sprigs add a wonderful flavor to cooked dishes, but you should remove the sprig after cooking. Learn more about sprigs here.

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What is a Water Bath?

What is a Water Bath?

A water bath is used when cooking foods that require a moist cooking environment, like custards and puddings. Learn more about how to make one in your own home.

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What is Baking Yeast?

What is Baking Yeast?

Baking yeast, which comes in three varieties, is used for baking bread. Learn more about baking yeast here, including the differences between the 3 types you would find in a grocery store.

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What is Carob?

What is Carob?

Carob is naturally sweeter and can be healthier than cocoa powder, but it can't compete with the flavor of chocolate. Learn more about where it comes from and how to include it in your recipes.

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What is Chiffonade?

What is Chiffonade?

"Chiffonade" is a French cooking term that literally means "in rags." Learn more about this cutting term and how and when to use it in your recipes.

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What is Cilantro?

What is Cilantro?

Cilantro is a bright, pungent herb used in Asian, Mexican and Indian cooking. Cilantro specifically refers to the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. Learn more about cilantro here.

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What is Ground Beef?

What is Ground Beef?

Ground beef is the all-American staple ingredient. Its versatility adds infinite possibilities to an endless number of dishes. Read this article to learn more about ground beef.

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What is Hoisin Sauce?

What is Hoisin Sauce?

Hoisin sauce is made from soybean paste, garlic, chilies, and various spices, and can contain sugar and vinegar. Read this article to learn more about this salty, sweet, and spicy condiment.

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What is Lemon Zest?

What is Lemon Zest?

Lemon zest imparts a strong citrus flavor to foods. It can be created easily be peeling or grating the yellow part of a lemon's skin. Learn more about lemon zest and how to use it.

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What is Masa Harina?

What is Masa Harina?

Masa harina is a type of traditional flour used in Mexican cooking to make tortillas, tamales, and other dishes. Read this article to learn more about this versatile flour.

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What is Parsley?

What is Parsley?

Flat-leaf parsley, Italian parsley, Chinese parsley, and cilantro - what is the difference? Read this article to find out the answer to all of your parsley questions.

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