The Vocabulary of Cooking.....T

We are on to the "T's" in our effort to learn culinary terminology.  So let's get started: 

Tahini - is a sesame paste made from ground sesame seeds.

Tahini sauce, often found in Humous

Tamarind - is a sticky brown acidic pulp with citrusy flavors - widely used as a flavoring in Asian cooking.

Tamarind Paste

Tamis - is a type of sieve used in the kitchen to puree/strain ingredients by means of forcing them through a fine mesh,

Tamis Seive

Tapas - are plates of Spanish cuisine.

A variety of Tapas

Tarragon - is a delicate herb that has a sweet, fragrant anise flavor.

Fresh Tarragon

Tartare - is a raw preparation of finely chopped red meat.

Steak Tartare

Tempering - is the process of slowly bringing the two temperatures together slowly so the eggs don’t cook and scramble.

Tempura - is a light form of batter coating used in Japanese cuisine.

Shrimp Tempura

Tender herbs - are Basil, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Parsley (both curly and flat-leaf), Tarragon.

Teriyaki - is a sweet, thick soy sauce marinade used in this type of Japanese cuisine.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

What you need:

 

 1/2 Cup Soy Sauce

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon Honey

1 teaspoon sesame oil

3 Tablespoons Mirin ***

1/4 Cup water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch

What you need to do:

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for a bout 4 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.  

Use this sauce when you make your Shrimp Tempura.  It's a lovely combination.  The cause can be store in the refrigerator of up to a week.

*** Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine, similar to sake but with a lower alcohol content and higher sugar content. If you don’t have mirin, you can use sherry with a pinch of sugar added to it.

Thai bird chilies - are chiles that have a strong, sharp heat so use carefully depending on your heat tolerance.

Thai bird chilies

Tiramisu - is a popular Italian dessert of layered sponge cake, coffee-flavored syrup and whipped mascarpone cheese.

Tiramisu

Tofu - is curd made from mashed soybeans, used chiefly in Asian and vegetarian cooking.

Tofu

Tomatillos - are a tart flavored fruit that are commonly used in Latin cuisine.

Tomatillos

Tortillas - are unleavened flat breads made with corn or wheat flour, water, and salt.

Tortillas

Trussing - is to tie and secure with kitchen twine in order to hold a shape which will ensure even cooking and attractive shape.

Trussing a chicken

Tuiles - are wafer-like small, lacy cookies.

Tuiles

Tumeric - is a distinctively bright yellow spice powder that is aromatic and exotic.

Fresh and powdered Tumeric

There you have it.  The letter "T" in all its deliciousness.  We'll be back next week with more culinary terms.  Happy learning!!

Now go out and make something good.