Cooking terminology can be confusing to the uninitiated. Cake recipes, chicken recipes and quiche recipes can read like a foreign language if you don't know the basic terms. Here's a closer look at some common ones you'll run across to help get you through:

• Cake recipes. In cake recipes you'll find words such as beat, blend and fold, which all have to do with mixing ingredients together. Cream is another mixing word often used; it means stirring sugar and softened butter together. Nearly all baking recipes use most of these same terms.
• Beef recipes. You may hear terms such as au jus, which means to serve in natural juices or fillet, which refers to a cut of meat or fish.
• Chicken recipes. Chicken recipes will throw out words such as fricassee, which refers to braised meat that is served in a thick sauce. Stir-fry refers to cooking with a hot pan and just a little oil, and stirring rapidly so that the food doesn't burn. The pan is called a wok.
• Pasta recipes. One of the most important terms in a pasta recipe is "al dente," which means it is cooked only until it is firm.

From time to time, even someone who cooks on a regular basis may need a refresher on some of the terminology used in various recipes. You may also come across new recipe techniques that you've never heard of before. Think of these new ideas as being sort of like "back to school tips," which are designed to make something that is already familiar a bit easier by passing along some good advice.

There is no substitute for a good beginning cookbook, which will explain various cooking techniques and talk a bit about items that are needed for a well-stocked kitchen. Once you have a reference like this to check in with, it is just a matter of looking something up to refresh yourself. Then you can add interest by browsing new recipes to find things you want to try.

Next: Cooking Terminology For Kids

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