How to Understand Cooking Terminology

Cooking terminology can be daunting and confusing to the beginner cook, especially if you are experimenting in other cultures or areas outside your comfort zone. There are many great ways to learn cooking terminology so you can impress your friends with the next dinner party. Use these steps to learn more about cooking terminology.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take a cooking basics class. Many colleges, caterers, restaurants and gourmet grocery stores offer cooking classes to the public. If you attend a general cooking or cooking basics class, you will learn most of the basic cooking terminology you need.
2. Find a great basic cookbook. All good cookbooks will have a section that explains terminology and other important cooking notions. One great book is "Clueless in the Kitchen" by Evelyn Raab. This book is available on Amazon and at other major book retailers.
3. Visit one of your favorite food or cooking sites. There are many websites that offer cooking terminology and definitions. One of the most well-known names is the Crisco company. Also available is the food and cooking dictionary at the Epicurious website.
4. Practice, practice, practice. The only sure way to learn cooking terminology is to use it often and remind yourself of the names and procedures as you use them. Keep a cookbook with cooking terms section handy, watch Food Network or buy an instructional cooking video, whatever will help you practice the terminology and remember it.