Kirsch
Kirsch Pronounce it: kirr-ssh Produced in mainly in Germany, but also in Switzerland and the Alsace region of France, Kirsch’s full name is kirsch wasser (pronounced vasser), meaning cherry water. Originating from the Black Forest,…
Glossary
X.O cognac
X.O cognac Pronounce it: exx-oh con-yak Created in 1870 for the personal use of Maurice Hennessy and his family and friends, X.O is a type of distilled wine and is widely considered the ultimate in…
Coconut
Coconut Pronounce it: koe-koe-nut A large hairy, brown nut that grows on the coconut tree, found throughout the world’s tropical islands and countries. The coconut tree is known as the ‘Tree of Life’ given its…
Arrowroot powder
Arrowroot powder Pronounce it: a-row-root Arrowroot powder is a type of starch that can be used instead of cornflour in many ways, including baking, but is most appreciated as a thickener of liquids because it…
Nigella (seed)
Nigella (seed) Pronounce it: Ny-jellah One of the oldest spices known to be used, nigella seeds (n. sativa) were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb and are mentioned in the Bible’s Old Testament, although their use is…
Baking powder
Baking powder Pronounce it: bay-king pow-dah Baking powder is a raising agent that is commonly used in cake-making. It is made from an alkali, bicarbonate of soda, and an acid, cream of tartar, plus a…
Pecan
Pecan Pronounce it: pee-kan Related to the walnut, pecans are native to America, and grow enclosed in a glossy, browny-red oval shell. The kernel inside shares the walnut’s trademark grooved surface but has a slightly…
Fenugreek seed
Fenugreek seed Pronounce it: fenn-you-greek seed A popular seed in Indian cookery, in which it’s termed methi, this small, hard, mustard yellow seed has a tangy, bitter, burnt-sugar flavour. The herb of the same name…
Cannellini bean
Cannellini bean Pronounce it: can-a-leen-ee been Slightly kidney-shaped with squarish ends, cannellini beans are from Italy and are creamy white in colour. When cooked, they have a fluffy texture and a slightly nutty, mild flavour….
Leek
Leek Pronounce it: lee-k Like garlic and onion, leeks are a member of the allium family, but have their own distinct flavour – quite harsh when raw (only very young leeks are eaten this way)…