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FARINE: On the French islands, a shortened form of farine de manioc, or cassava meal.
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FAVA BEANS, DRIED: A Mediterranean bean similar to our lima beans. Buy the peeled variety.
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FENNEL SEED: Yellowish-brown seed of a plant of the parsley family. Shaped like a miniature watermelon, it has an agreeable anise, odor and a licorice flavor. Available whole and ground. Common in Indian cooking.
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FENUGREEK SEED: Very small reddish-brown seed of a plant of the pea family, it has a pleasant bitter flavor and a strong, sweetish odor reminiscent of burnt sugar. A primary ingredient in curry powder. Used in Persian cooking as well as in Indian curries. Find in Middle Eastern and Indian markets.
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FETA: A Greek cheese. Made from sheep's or goat's milk, it is white and pleasantly pungent. Pure white, crumbly, and salty, it is excellent in salads and in a wide variety of baked dishes. To keep it moist, store feta in brine or tightly wrapped in plastic. It is usually served as an appetizer and as a table cheese, and it is used in many phyllo recipes. Available in Greek or specialty shops in the United States, it may be substituted for BRYNZA and SIRENE.
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FILE POWDER: Ground dried sassafras leaves for flavoring and thickening gumbo.
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FILO (phyllo): Tissue-thin sheets of pastry that can be purchased fresh or frozen by the pound in Greek or specialty shops. It is used in making BANITSA and may be used as a substitute for MALSOUQUA in BRIK and BASTILA. Should be kept refrigerated. As FILO dries out instantly, the sheets should be kept covered with a damp towel while being used.
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FISH CAKES (Japanese): These are fish paste molded into cakelike shapes and grilled or deep fried. Available frozen in Japanese markets.
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FISH SAUCE: A condiment made from fermented anchovies, salt, and water that are common in Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Thai cooking. The Cambodian version, "nam pla", is considered the finest and has the richest flavor. The Vietnamese variety, "nuoc mam", most widely available, is milder. The different varieties are interchangeable, but it is fun to use each country's sauce. Available in any Oriental or Asian market. See FISH'S GRAVY.
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FISH'S GRAVY (nam pla): Thin brownish sauce produced by fermentation of salted fresh fish. Extremely salty and smells strongly of fish, but when used with moderation, it provides a surprisingly subtle flavor. Used in much the same way as soy sauce. Available bottled as "fish's gravy" in most Oriental groceries. See FISH SAUCE.
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FIVE SPICE POWDER: A combination of five ground spices (anise seed, fennel, clove, cinnamon and Szechwan pepper) sold ready-mixed by weight in Chinese specialty stores. Store at room temperature in tightly covered container. Substitute allspice.
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FLOATS: Fried yeast buns, a specialty of Trinidad. Traditionally served with codfish ACCRAS.
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FRIJOL NEGRO (black bean, turtle bean): Small charcoal-colored bean no more than ˝ inches long. It is a native of the Americas and related to the common navy and kidney bean. Available dried in most groceries.
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FRUTABOMBA: Cuban name for PAPAYA.
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FU: Light cake made of wheat gluten, available packaged in different sizes, shapes and colors. Used principally as a soup garnish.
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FUL: This is an Egyptian dried bean. Buy the small variety in specialty food shops.
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FUNCHI (fungee): Cornmeal pudding, like Italian polenta.
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