Acorn squash
shaped like their namesake, are winter squash that are up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and have deeply ridged, green skin and orange flesh.

Active dry yeast
used to leaven dough, is sold in packages containing 2 1/2 teaspoons (1/4 ounces / 7 grams) and also in bulk in some food stores. Quick-rising yeast raises dough in about a third or half the time required for regular yeast. Yeast is also available in fresh cakes; substitute 2 ounces (60 g) cake, or compressed, yeast for 1 tablespoon active dry yeast. Store dry yeast in a cool, dry place; refrigerate cake yeast.

Adobo
a tangy sauce whose basic ingredients include vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, pepper and chilies. Adobo is a national dish in the Philippines. It is also a cooking style and is used in preparations with pork, chicken , fish and even vegetables.

Adzuki beans
native to China, are reddish brown beans with a subtle sweet flavor. Commonly purchased in their dried form, they are used in savory dishes and are an ingredient in sweet preparations in China and Japan. Adzuki beans are also made into a paste that can be found in Asian markets.

Alfalfa sprouts
are the germinating form of alfalfa seeds. They require no soil, only water and cool temperatures. They emerge in two to seven days, depending on the type of seed or bean. They are sold in the produce section of supermarkets.

All-purpose flour
has a medium protein content that makes it suitable for most baking uses. Store all-purpose flour in an airtight container for up to 1 year. US all-purpose flour and UK plain-flour can be substituted for one another without adjustment.

Allspice
available as whole berries or ground, is a sweet spice of Caribbean origin with a flavor suggesting a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The berries can be crushed to release more of their flavor. Commonly used in cakes, desserts, cookies, biscuits, chutneys, pickles, relishes and sauces.

Allspice Berries
available as whole berries or ground, is a sweet spice of Caribbean origin with a flavor suggesting a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The berries can be crushed to release more of their flavor. Commonly used in cakes, desserts, cookies, biscuits, chutneys, pickles, relishes and sauces.

Almond
are oval nuts with a mellow, sweet flavor, sold whole or cut into slivers or slices, and are available blanched (skinless).

Almond extract
a flavoring, is made by dissolving the essential oil of almonds in an alcohol base. Use products labeled "pure" or "natural" almond extract.

Alphabet Soup Pasta
These tiny pasta shapes are usually served in a broth or very light soup. Substitutes: pastina

Amaretti
are crisp, sweet Italian biscuits flavored with apricot or almond. Imported amaretti are available in well-stocked grocery stores and specialty-food shops.

Amaretto
is an Italian liqueur combining essences of apricot and almond.

American Caviar
Synonymous with Black Sturgeon Roe. Caviar is known for its subtle, buttery flavor and high price. It should always be served cold. If substituting an inferior caviar, consider perking it up with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Equivalents: 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce

American cheese
is a processed, mild, Cheddar-style cheese appreciated for its good melting properties.

Anaheim chiles
slender chilies measuring 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, have a sharp, astringent flavor and are mild to medium hot. Sold fresh in their green state, they are sometimes labeled chilies verdes (green chilies), New Mexico peppers, or Rio Grande peppers. Anaheim chilies are also available roasted or canned as green chilies.

Ancho chiles
literally "wide" chilies, are the dried form of the poblano chile. They measure up to 5 inches (13 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. Wrinkled and deep reddish brown, ancho chilies vary in hotness from mild to moderate, and have a slightly bittersweet taste.

Anchovies
tiny saltwater fish related to sardines, have an intense, briny taste. They are most commonly available as canned fillets that have been salted and preserved in oil. Imported fillets packed in olive oil are the best, most commonly available choice for most recipes. Anchovies packed in salt are sold in delicatessens; the bones need to be removed before the fish are used in recipes.

Anchovy paste
is made from preserved anchovy fillets combined with oil. The smooth paste is sold in tubes and jars.

Andouille sausages
are spicy Creole-Cajun smoked pork sausages that are highly seasoned with red pepper and garlic. They are sold in well-stocked grocery stores and meat markets.

Añejo cheese
is an "aged" white Mexican cheese with a dry, crumbly texture and a salty flavor. Look for it in Mexican markets and well-stocked grocery stores. Grated romano, Parmesan, or feta can be substituted.

Angel Food Cake
This is an airy white sponge cake made without egg yolks or any fat. It gets its volume from stiffly beaten egg whites, and it's normally baked in a tube pan. Many bakeries sell it ready-made. It will keep its shape better if you cut it with a serrated knife.

Angel hair pasta
is an appropriately named cut of thin and delicate strands. They are called "capelli d'angelo" in Italian.

Anise
a spice of Mediterranean origin, are small crescent-shaped seeds from a plant related to parsley. They have a sweet licorice flavor. Generally sold whole, they may be crushed with a mortar and pestle. Commonly used in breads, rolls, cakes, desserts, cookies, biscuits, and pickles.

Anise extract
a flavoring with a sweet licorice taste, is made by dissolving the essential oil of aniseeds in an alcohol base. Use products labeled "pure" or "natural" anise extract.

Aniseeds
a spice of Mediterranean origin, are small crescent-shaped seeds from a plant related to parsley. They have a sweet licorice flavor. Generally sold whole, they may be crushed with a mortar and pestle. Commonly used in breads, rolls, cakes, desserts, cookies, biscuits, and pickles.

Anisette
This French liqueur is flavored with anise seeds. It's sweeter and lower in alcohol than other anise-flavored liqueurs.

Apple brandy
is a brandy distilled from apples, which preserves the fruit's distinctive sweet flavor.

Apple cider
is pressed from the pulp of apples. It makes a refreshing drink and is also used as a cooking ingredient. Unfermented cider is called sweet cider. Fermented cider, with an alcoholic content of 3-7 percent, is known as hard cider. Good-quality cider is sold in apple-growing regions and well-stocked markets.

Apple juice
extracted from fresh apples, is enjoyed as a beverage or used as an ingredient in sweet or savory dishes. It is available fresh, in bottles or as frozen concentrate.

Apples
are versatile tree fruits sold in many varieties for cooking or eating raw. Among the most popular are the slightly tart, red-skinned Rome; the slightly tart, green-skinned pippin and Granny Smith; the mildly tart, red-skinned Jonathan; and the sweet, yellow-skinned Golden Delicious. Controlled storage ensures a good supply of apples the year around. Choose firm, unblemished fruit; store in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place.

Applesauce
consists of apples that have been cooked until soft and often flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg. Smooth or chunky applesauce, sweetened or unsweetened, is available in grocery stores.

Apricot brandy
has the color and taste of the stone fruit used to flavor it.

Apricot Nectar
The concentrated juice of apricots.

Apricots
are early-ripening summer fruits, that are native to China but grown worldwide. They are available fresh, canned, or dried. Buy fairly firm, blemish-free fresh apricots, avoiding any tinged with green. Complete ripening at room temperature.

Arbol chiles
are dried, bright red fresh chilies, related to the cayenne chile. Literally "tree" chilies, they are very hot. The slender chilies measure about 2 1/2 inches (6 cm) long.

Arborio rice
an Italian variety, has short, plump grains that are high in starch content and, when cooked, have a creamy, saucelike consistency. Used in risottos, rice puddings, and other dishes, arborio rice is available in Italian delicatessens and well-stocked food stores.

Armagnac
a dry brandy similar to Cognac, is made from wine produced in the Armagnac region of southwestern France. Other good-quality, dry wine-based brandies may be substituted.

Armoniche
are ridged pasta shapes that resemble small harmonicas.

Arrowroot
is the starchy product of a tropical tuber. The rootstalks are dried and ground into a super fine powder. It is used as a thickening agent much like cornstarch and is more easily digested than wheat flour. Its thickening power is about twice that of wheat flour. Arrowroot is tasteless and becomes clear when cooked. Unlike cornstarch, it doesn't have a chalky taste when it is undercooked. It should be mixed with a cold liquid before being heated or added to hot mixtures.

Arrowroot flour
is made from the fleshy root stock of the tropical arrowroot plant. It's white, fine and powdery texture is very similar to cornstarch but it has no flavor at all. It is typically used as a thickener for puddings, sauces and other cooked foods.

Artichoke hearts
are the tender inner portion beneath the leaves of globe artichokes. They are available canned, in jars and frozen.

Artichokes
related to thistles, are native to the Mediterranean and grown in other parts of the world. These large flower buds have a tightly packed cluster of tough, pointed, prickly leaves that conceal pale green inner leaves and a gray-green base, which together make up the heart. Only the fleshy base of the leaves and the meaty base are eaten; the rest of the leaves and the fuzzy choke inside the heart are discarded.

Artificial Sweeteners
Non-sugar sweeteners are synthetic sweetening compounds. You cannot substitute them for sugar in all recipes. Follow manufacturer's directions as to correct amount.

Artificial Sweetner
One of many commercially prepared saccharine or aspartame available at most grocery stores.

Arugula
also known as rocket, is a green leaf vegetable with slender, multiple-lobed leaves that have a peppery, slightly bitter flavor.

Asadero cheese
a Mexican cheese meaning literally a "roasting" cheese, is a mild, soft white variety typically used for melting. It is sold in Mexican markets and well-stocked grocery stores. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack may be substituted.

Asian noodles
fresh or dried, are available in Asian markets and some grocery stores.

Asian pears
are a variety developed by crossbreeding pears and apples, combining the mild flavor of the former with the crispness of the latter.

Asparagus
are long, slender vegetables that grow as shoots in spring and early summer. The straight, firm stalks, which range from pencil thin to as thick as your thumb, are prized for their delicate flavor; the tender tips have a particularly delicate flavor and texture. The most common variety is green and sometimes tinged with purple at the bud. White and all-purple stalks are also available in farmers' markets and well-stocked grocery stores. Look for asparagus with crisp, straight stalks and tight buds.

Avocado
are pear-shaped fruits with smooth or textured skin and rich-tasting, smooth, light green flesh. The finest-flavored variety is the Haas, which has a thick, bumpy, dark green skin and buttery flesh. The bland Fuerte has thin, smooth skin.

Avocado leaves
come from the avocado tree and are used both as a garnish as well as for seasoning. The leave's slightly bitter taste adds flavor to various Mexican dishes like simmered meats and soups.