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Founded in 1941, Barron's Educational Series is a leading publisher of test preparation manuals and school directories. Among the most widely recognized of Barron's many titles in these areas are its SAT and ACT test prep books, its Regents Exams books, and its Profiles of American Colleges. In ...
Although some weigh 1/3 ton, the average size of this fish is from 5 to 15 pounds. Groupers are found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the North and South Atlantic. They're marketed whole as well as in fillets and steaks. They have a lean, firm flesh that is suitable for baking, broiling, frying, poaching or steaming. The grouper's skin, which is very strongly flavored, should always be removed before cooking. The most popular members of this sea bass family are the black grouper, Nassau grouper, red grouper and yellowmouth (also called yellowfin) grouper. See also fish.
Industry:Culinary arts
Although the literal translation from French is "fat liver," foie gras is the term generally used for goose liver. This specialty of Alsace and Perigord, is in fact, the enlarged liver from a goose or duck that has been force-fed and fattened over a period of 4 to 5 months. These specially bred fowl are not permitted to exercise — which, combined with the overeating, creates a huge (up to 3 pounds), fatty liver. After the bird is killed, the liver is soaked overnight in milk, water or port. It's drained, then marinated in a mixture usually consisting of armagnac, port or madeira and various seasonings. The livers are then cooked, usually by baking. The preparation, of course, depends on the cook. In general, goose liver is considered superior to duck liver; all foie gras is very expensive. At its best, it is a delicate rosy color with mottlings of beige. The flavor is extraordinarily rich and the texture silky smooth. Pâté de foie gras is pureed goose liver (by law, 80 percent) that usually contains other foods such as pork liver, truffles and eggs. Mousse or puree de foie gras must contain at least 55 percent goose liver. Foie gras should be served chilled with thin, buttered toast slices. A sauternes is the perfect accompaniment.
Industry:Culinary arts
Aluminum that has been rolled into a thin, pliable sheet. It's an excellent barrier to moisture, air and odors and can withstand flaming heat and freezing cold. It comes in regular weight (for wrapping food and covering containers) and heavy-duty weight (for freezer storage and lining pans and grills). Because the crinkling of foil creates tiny holes (increasing permeability), it should not be reused for freezer storage. Neither should it be used to wrap acidic foods (such as tomatoes and onions) because the natural acids in the food will eat through the foil. Although metal produces arcing (sparking) in microwave ovens, oddly enough, tiny amounts of aluminum foil can be used providing the foil doesn't touch the sides of the oven. For example, foil might be used in a microwave oven to shield the tips of chicken wings that might cook much faster than the rest of the wing.
Industry:Culinary arts
American Indians used parts of the shell from these bivalve mollusks to make wampum — beads used for barter, ornamental, ceremonial and spiritual purposes. The two main varieties of clams are hard-shell and soft-shell. The hard-shell clams found on the East Coast (where they're also called by the Indian name, quahog) come in three sizes. The smallest are littleneck clams, which have a shell diameter less than 2 inches. Next comes the medium-sized cherrystone clam, about 2 1/2 inches across. The largest of this trio is the chowder clam (also called simply "large" clam), with a shell diameter of at least 3 inches. Among the West Coast hard-shell varieties are the pacific littleneck clam, the pismo and the small, sweet butter clams from Puget Sound. soft-shell clams, also called soft clams, actually have thin, brittle shells. They can't completely close their shells because of a long, rubbery neck (or siphon) that extends beyond its edge. The most common East Coast soft-shell is the steamer clam. The most famous West Cost soft-shells are the razor clam (so named because its shell resembles a folded, old-fashioned straight razor) and the geoduck clam (pronounced goo-ee-duck). The geoduck is a comical-looking, 6-inch-long clam with a neck that can reach up to about 1 1/2 feet long. On the East Coast and in the Pacific Northwest, clams are available year-round. In California, the season is November through April. Clams are sold live in the shell, fresh or frozen shucked, and canned. When buying hard-shell clams in the shell, make sure the shells are tightly closed. If a shell is slightly open, tap it lightly. If it doesn't snap shut, the clam is dead and should be discarded. To test a soft-shell clam, lightly touch its neck; if it moves, it's alive. The guideline for buying shucked clams is plumpness and clear liquid. Store live clams up to 2 days in a 40°F refrigerator; refrigerate shucked clams up to 4 days. Clams can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steaming and baking. All clams should be cooked gently to prevent toughening. Clams are high in protein and contain fair amounts of calcium and iron. See also shellfish.
Industry:Culinary arts
An airy, fluffy mixture, usually a filling for pie. The lightness is achieved with stiffly beaten egg whites and sometimes gelatin.
Industry:Culinary arts
An alcoholic beverage brewed from malt and hops. It's usually stronger and, because of the hops, more bitter than beer. The color can vary from light to dark amber.
Industry:Culinary arts
An all-American quick bread that substitutes cornmeal for most (or sometimes all) of the flour. It can include various flavorings such as cheese, scallions, molasses and bacon. Cornbread can be thin and crisp or thick and light. It can be baked Southern style in a skillet or in a shallow square, round or rectangular baking pan. Some of the more popular cornbreads are hushpuppies, johnnycakes and spoon bread.
Industry:Culinary arts
An American term used to describe a hot drink of milk, water, sugar and, if desired, a dash of tea. It was a favorite of children and the elderly in the late 19th and early 20th century. The name is taken from a fabric called cambric, which is white and thin . . . just like the "tea. "
Industry:Culinary arts
An apple that's coated with a cinnamon-flavored red sugar syrup. This candy coating can either be crackly-hard or soft and gooey. A candied-apple clone is the caramel apple, which has a thick, soft caramel-flavored coating. Both versions are served on sticks for portable eating.
Industry:Culinary arts
