W
Wafer
- a thin, sweet biscuit.
Waffle
- a light, thin batter cake baked in a special grill called a
waffle iron. Basic batter is the same as for pancakes.
Warm -
to heat a food using a very low temperature of approximately
105*F to 115*F (40*C to 45*C).
Wash -
to apply a liquid to the surface of an object to remove dirt;
often a cleansing agent is added to the liquid; the process may
not kill microorganisms.
Water Bath
- The French call this cooking technique bain-marie .
It consists of placing a container (baking pan, bowl, soufflé
dish, etc.) of food in a large, shallow pan of warm water, which
surrounds the food with gentle heat. The food may be cooked in
this manner either in an oven or on top of a range. This technique
is designed to cook delicate dishes such as custards, sauces
and mousses without breaking or curdling them. It can also be
used to keep cooked foods warm.
Water Biscuit
- a crisp cracker that is unseasoned and goes well with cheese
and butter and consommé.
Water Chestnut
- the fruit of a water plant (genus Trapa) native to Southeast
Asia; has a brownish-black skin, ivory to tan flesh, crisp texture
and slightly sweet, nutty flavor; used in various Asian cuisines.
Watercress
- a green leafy little plant that grows only in running water,
and has peppery leaves prized by epicures for salads and garnishes.
Watermelon -
the fruit of a water plant (genus Trapa) native to Southeast
Asia; has a brownish-black skin, ivory to tan flesh, crisp texture
and slightly sweet, nutty flavor; used in various Asian cuisines.
Waterzooi
- a rich Belgian chicken or fish soup made with wine.
Wax Bean
- a yellow version of the green bean; has a slightly waxier pod.
Weight
- the mass of heaviness of a substance; weight measurements are
commonly expressed as grams (metric) ounces and pounds (U.S.
and Imperial).
Whip -
to mix ingredients quickly and vigorously using a beater or whisk
to incorporate air, to increase volume and to lighten the mixture.
Whisk
- in cooking, a tool made of wire loops used for beating.
White Chocolate
- a candy made from cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids and flavoring;
because it contains no chocolate liquor it is usually labeled
white confectionary bar or coating; it can be eaten as a candy
or used in confections and pastries.
Wild Rice
- the grain of a reed-like aquatic plant (Zizania aquatica) unrelated
to rice; grown in the United States and Canada. The grains are
long, slender and black, with a distinctive earthy, nutty flavor;
available in three grades: giant (a very long grain and the best
quality), fancy (a medium grain and of lesser quality) and select
(a short grain).
Wok -
a round bowl-shaped metal cooking utensil of Chinese origin used
for stir-frying and steaming (with rack inserted) of various
foods.
Work -
in cooking, this means to knead or mix gently with the fingers.
