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ABSINTHE: Bitter anise-flavored green liqueur. Because it contains the dangerous oils of wormwood, the sale of true absinthe is prohibited in most countries.
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ACCRA (akkra, akra): Originally a West African fritter, made throughout the islands. The traditional Jamaican akkra is a fritter made of ground blackeyed peas or soybeans; the same thing is known as cala on the Dutch Islands. Accras are also made of a heavy batter into which a variety of ingredients are mixed, salt cod being the most popular. This combination is called stamp and go in Jamaica, acrat de morue in the French islands and bacalaitos in Puerto Rico.
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ACHIOTE: See ANNATTO.
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AJI-NO-MOTO: Japanese trade name for MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavor-enhancing agent used in very small quantities. Available in containers in Oriental markets, or sold in supermarkets as MSG.
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AKEE (ackee): Oblong or eggshaped fruit of an evergreen tree widely cultivated in Jamaica. The scarlet pod encloses cream-colored flesh whose bland texture and taste is often compared to scrambled eggs. It is traditionally served in Jamaica with salt fish. Available canned in some Latin American markets.
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ALLSPICE (pimento): Dark-brown berries of an evergreen tree native to the West Indies. The berries resemble smooth oversized peppercorns and their aroma and flavor suggest a blend of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Buy it whole or already ground.
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ALLSPICE OIL: Oil extracted from the leaves of the allspice tree and used in making a Jamaican liqueur called Pimento Dram.
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ANAHEIM PEPPER, FRESH: Slightly hot light-green pepper. Found in most supermarkets. There is also a red Anaheim pepper. These are usually found in the dried form, but don't substitute the dried for the fresh.
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ANISE SEED: A pungent spice resembling fennel seed. Has a strong licorice flavor. Buy in good spice shops.
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ANNATTO SEED (achiote seed): Rusty-red dried seed of the fruit of a tropical West Indian or South American tree. When used as a seasoning, it is an inexpensive substitute, both in flavor and for the orange color it imparts, for the more expensive saffron. In crushed form it gives food a delicate flavor and a deep golden-orange color. Available in 1-ounce packs and jars at Latin American groceries or stores specializing in foods from India. Keeps indefinitely in a tightly covered jar. No substitute.
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ANTHOTYRO: A Greek soft (though firmer than cream cheese) white goat's milk cheese, with a mild, sweet taste.
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AONORIKO: Powdered green laver, a member of the seaweed family. Used as a seasoning agent. Available in bottles in Japanese markets.
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APIO (arracacha): Root of a tropical plant popular in the Caribbean, used as a starchy vegetable and as an ingredient in SANCOCHO. Available in some Latin American markets.
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ARROWROOT: Starch obtained from the roots of a plant native to tropical America. Finely ground to the consistency of cornstarch, it is used as a flavorless thickening agent in light sauces and glazes.
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ASAFETIDA: Dried gum resin from the roots of various Iranian and East Indian plants. Depending on the variety of plant, it may be reddish brown or pale buff. It has a strong fetid odor and somewhat garlicky flavor; it is definitely an acquired taste and may be omitted from any recipe that calls for it.
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ASOPAO: The word literally means "soupy" in Spanish and is used to describe a thin stew made with rice and with chicken, meat or fish; a traditional Puerto Rican dish.
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AVGOLEMONO (Greece): An egg and lemon mixture generally used as a sauce or soup base.
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AVOCADOS: Pear-shaped bland, buttery fruit available the year round at fine groceries and fruit and vegetable stands. Especially plentiful from January to April. Avocados vary widely in color, texture of skin, and size. Skin may range from smooth light green to pebbled dark green or purple. Avocados may weigh from a few ounces to as much as 2 pounds. Their flavor has no relationship to their color and size. When ripe, this fruit yields to gentle pressure of the fingers. Hard avocados will ripen in a day or so. If a ripe avocado is not to be used at once, it may be refrigerated for a day or two. When the fruit is cut or peeled, sprinkle its exposed surfaces at once with fresh lemon or lime juice to prevent discoloring.
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AZUKI: Red beans, usually cooked in rice or made into a dessert. Available in Japanese markets. its exposed surfaces at once with fresh lemon or lime juice to prevent discoloring.
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