P

A paddle attachment fastens onto a stand mixer. It has a triangular shape with holes in the middle. It is designed to mix batter efficiently.

The Pale of Settlement (also called the Pale) was a part of the Russian Empire that Jews were allowed to settle upon permanently. The Pale developed because Moscow citizens protested that a large influx of Jews would destroy business opportunities. The Pale of Settlement was officially abolished in 1917.

Palm sugar is the concentrated sap of coconut palm trees. Palm sugar comes in a variety of forms that range from light to dark, each with a unique flavor. Because it is unrefined, palm sugar has more vitamins and nutrients than white sugar. Palm sugar can be substituted for white sugar in many recipes. Palm sugar can be bought at some major supermarkets, from Asian specialty stores, or online.

The pasilla chili pepper, also called chili negro, is a medium-hot pepper made from a dried chilaca chili pepper, and is known for its rich flavor. This pepper should not be confused with the ancho chili pepper (dried poblano pepper) as the ancho is often mislabeled in the US as a pasilla chili pepper. Once dried, this pepper takes on a dark green or dark brown coloration, and a texture similar to that of a raisin. Found either whole or in a powder form, it rates on the Scoville heat scale between 1000 and 2,500. For more information on the pasilla chili, click here.

Passover or Pesach is a Jewish holiday that is observed from the 15th-22nd days of the Hebrew month Nissan. Passover celebrates the deliverance of the ancient Jewish people from enslavement under the Egyptians, after many generations and the exodus into the desert. During Passover, observers are not allowed to eat “chametz,” or any leavened product. Matzoh, unleavened bread, is a common Passover food. Passover is celebrated for eight days and a passover seder (special family meal) is held on the first night. For more information on Passover, click here.

Pasta flour is often created through a mixing of unbleached white flour and semolina flour. Semolina flour makes the dough stiffer, while unbleached white flour makes the dough more delicate. A common ratio for mixing is 1 part semolina flour to 4 parts unbleached 00 (very fine white) flour.

A high-starch, low-protein flour that produces tender baked goods. It is somewhat similar to cake flour. If you can’t find it, you can use cake flour, but make sure to sift it.

Pasture raised animals roam freely in their natural environment where they eat nutritious grasses and other plants that their bodies are adapted to digest. Pasturing improves the welfare of farm animals, reduces environmental damage, and yields meat, eggs, and dairy products that are more nutritious than foods produced on factory farms.

These recipes do not contain peanuts. We only include packaged products in our recipes if we have found a peanut-free version made in a plant that follows preventative cross contamination processes or does not produce the allergen, and states that on the package or website.

Do not cook or serve any dishes that contain peanuts in a highly allergic home or when a highly allergic person is present, no matter how well labeled or out of reach. Discuss how to handle food preparation in advance with any guest who has a serious allergy.

For more information on avoiding peanuts, click here.

Peanut oil is an oil derived from pressing peanut kernels. Peanut oil is a vegetable oil and is high in healthy fats. It is used often in cooking, including deep frying and making dressings. Peanut oil can be bought at major supermarkets or online. For more information on peanut oil, click here.

Persia, or today known as The Islamic Republic of Iran, is a nation in Western Asia. For more information about ancient Persia, click here.

Peru is a country located in South America. For more information on Peru, click here.

The Philippines is located off of Southeast Asia. For more information on The Philippines, click here.

Piment d’Espelette is a mild chili pepper grown in the town of Espelette in the south of France, in the Basque region. Whole peppers are sold dried; piment d’Espelette is also available in dried, powder form and as a paste.

A traditional Romanian plum pie.

Poaching is a form of cooking by slowly simmering in liquid, usually either water, oil, milk, wine, or stock. This method is effective for foods that are delicate or in risk of drying out such as eggs, salmon, and chicken. The liquid should not be boiling, but should be approximately 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Native to Mexico, the poblano chili pepper is a mild to medium dark green pepper that has a wide base and tapers to a point, it rates between 1,000 and 2,000 on the Scoville heat scale. It is commonly used in southwestern or mexican cooking in dishes such as chili relleno; once dried, it is called an ancho chili pepper. For more information about the poblano chili pepper, click here.

A cornmeal that is boiled into a porridge, sometimes referred to as “Italian Grits.”

The porcini or “stone” mushroom has a meaty flavor. It is primarily used in soups, sauces, stuffings, fish, and other dishes. It has a large, round cap. Its color ranges from a pale yellowish-brown to a dark reddish-brown. One porcini can grow to be 12 inches wide and weigh several pounds. They are only available fresh between June and November.

Potato starch is the starch extracted from potatoes. It is gluten free and a good alternative for those who are gluten intolerant. Potato starch can be used as a thickener. Potato starch can be bought at most major grocery stores, as well as online. For more information on potato starch, click here.

Pozole is a Mexican stew that is usually made with pork, hominy, and chilies. It can be made with other types of meat such as chicken or beef. For more information on pozole, click here.

Lemons are preserved by sealing them with a mixture of salt,  lemon juice, and sometimes spices for approximately 30 days. Preserved lemons are a chef’s favorite because of their distinct flavor and smooth texture. They are most commonly found in Moroccan cuisine. For instructions on how to preserve you own lemons, check out our recipe.

Prosciutto is a traditional, Italian, dry-cured meat from the hind leg or thigh of a pig or wild boar. It is usually thinly sliced and served uncooked.

Protein is a set of 20 different amino acids that the body uses to complete chemical processes. The human body is unable to produce certain amino acids, which are called essential amino acids (EFA); we get EFAs through our diet with foods such as meat products, dairy products, and a few grains like quinoa. Other foods such as beans, tofu, nuts, many grains, and seeds, which lack certain essential amino acids and are therefore incomplete. Incomplete proteins can be combined to form complete proteins. The amount of protein a person needs daily varies based on weight, age, and activity level. For more information on protein, click here.

A prune is simply a dried plum. In fact, because prunes have gotten a bad rap over the years, the prune industry has taken to calling them just that: dried plums. Why the bad rap? Because many people think of them as a natural remedy for constipation. In fact, though, prunes are used in sweet and savory dishes in many cuisines. However you prepare them, and whatever you call them, they are sweet and rich in fiber.

A food is pureed by mashing, grinding, or blending it until it develops a thick, smooth consistency. This is usually done using a food processor, a blender, a food mill, or a sieve.