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.
