KITCHEN PREP LINGO
almost combined/just combined
Do not completely combine ingredients. With batter, some flour should still be visible for it to be almost combined. To be just combined, stir it just a little bit more—ingredients should be mixed together and incorporated, but barely. Use as few strokes as possible. (Compare with blend.)
blend
Stir to incorporate all ingredients until they are well combined and the mix is homogenous.
chop
Cut ingredient into bite-size pieces; uniform cuts are not necessary, and size is relatively unimportant (it’s more of a personal preference).
Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer until they are well combined and have a creamy consistency. This also can be done by hand with a spatula.
crumble
Break the ingredient apart into smaller pieces. With tofu, break the tofu apart until it resembles ricotta or feta cheese.
fold
Gently stir a single ingredient into a mixture, such as muffin batter, with a spatula or large spoon until just combined.
mince
Chop ingredients into very small pieces, ⅛ inch or smaller.
salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp of salt and ¼ tsp of pepper is usually a good starting point for recipes that serve at least two. Reduce salt if you’re using ingredients with sodium, such as canned goods or low-sodium soy sauce. Double as necessary to achieve your preferred taste.
stir
Use a circular motion, clockwise or counterclockwise, to move or incorporate ingredients.