Barbecue – To cook on a grill over a charcoal or seasoned wood fire usually with a tomato based sauce. Customarily outside.
Beat – Combine vigorously with the intent to force air into the mixture.
Blanch – Cook or dip quickly into very hot water to remove external material.
Blend – Mix together gently until the consistency is the same throughout.
Boil – Cook in hot water.
Braise – Cook over an open flame with the flame touching the food.
Bread – To dip or roll food in a liquid and then breadcrumbs until covered.
Brew – Verb used to describe the process of making a potable flavored mixture. (tea, beer)
Broil – To cook with the heat source above the food.
Brown- Cook only until there is a light brown color.
Chop – Cut into small pieces.
Combine – Mix together. (Usually used with dry ingredients)
Cube or dice – Cut into small squares.
Cut in – Mix together gently with the edge of the mixing tool.
Deep-fry – With enough oil to cover the food.
Fold in – Mix together gently with the flat of the mixing tool.
Form – Mold into a certain shape.
Fry – Cook in hot oil.
Grate – To use a grater to shred food. (Usually vegetables or cheese)
Knead – Work dough with the hands, constantly folding.
Marinade – The liquid used to marinate. Q.v.
Marinate – Soak (especially meat) in a spiced liquid. Usually but not always overnight.
Mince – Chop into small pieces. Smaller than cubed. Q.v.
Pan fry – With just enough oil to keep the food from sticking.
Pare – To remove the peel.
Pureé – Reduce to a watery consistency.
Roast – Cook in a covered pot either on the stove or in the oven.
Sauté – Cook in a small amount of oil until browned.
Scald – To pour hot water over something or dip it in the water.
Sear – To drop food (usually meat) in a very hot pan to seal in juices.
Separate (eggs) – Remove the egg yolk from the albumen.
Simmer – Cook over a low flame.
Steep – To let sit in hot water. (For example tea)
Stew – A very thick soup with a flour base.
Toast – Lightly brown.
Toss – To gently mix a salad.
Whip – Beat rapidly to force air into a mixture.
Whip up (something) – Informal term for preparing a quick meal.
