TAGINE
A tagine pot is a two-piece glazed terracotta container. It is designed for the purpose of keeping food moist during the cooking process. The base is wide and shallow, while the top is a cone-shaped lid. It lockx in steam and heat during the cooking process. These pots are used most often in North African cuisine.
TAMAGO
Tamago, also called tamagoyaki, is a layered, grilled Japanese egg preparation that is similar to an omelet. It is typically seasoned with rice vinegar or rice wine, sugar, and salt or soy sauce.
TAMARI
Tamari is a thick, dark, rich soy sauce that is made with little or no wheat and a higher soybean content than regular soy sauce (also called shoyu soy sauce). The taste difference is hardly noticeable from regular soy sauce, which makes it a great alternative for those who can’t have gluten. (Read the label carefully to find a wheat-free variety if gluten is a concern.) It is available in low-sodium form.
TAMARIND
Tamarind is the fruit of a tree of the same name; native to northern Africa, it now grows throughout the tropical parts of the world and is widely used in Asia and the Middle East. The edible pulp is extracted from the tamarind pod and is used as a souring agent. It can be purchased in paste form or as a juice. It is used in a variety of applications from sauces to candies.
TAPIOCA STARCH
Tapioca starch is extracted from the cassava root in South America. Tapioca starch is a very smooth flour extracted from the cassava root that makes it suitable for thickening. It also works well in gluten-free recipes to improve texture. Tapioca starch can be bought at some major supermarkets or online from vendors such as Bob’s Red Mill.
TEFF FLOUR
Teff flour is high in protein and nutrients, and naturally gluten free. It can be bought at health specialty stores or online from vendors such as Bob’s Red Mill.
TEMPERING CHOCOLATE
Tempering chocolate is a process of heating and cooling chocolate so that it achieves a desired gloss and snap. To temper chocolate, it first must be heated to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for dark chocolate and 110 for milk or white chocolate. After this, the chocolate is removed from heat and a portion of unmelted chocolate equal to approximately 25% of the melted chocolate is added. The chocolate is stirred constantly until the chocolate reaches 85 degrees Fahrenheit for dark and 83 for milk or white chocolate. The chocolate is then tested to see that it cools quickly and without streaks. Once this occurs, the chocolate is properly tempered and the chocolate should be reheated to 89 degrees Fahrenheit for dark and 87 degrees for milk and white. The remaining unmelted chocolate is removed and the chocolate is ready for use. For more information on tempering chocolate, click here.
THAI RED BIRD PEPPER (RED THAI CHILI PEPPER)
Thai red bird peppers, also known as red Thai chili peppers, contain very high levels of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as other minerals, such as iron. Although quite small, this pepper is extremely hot, with a Scoville heat rating between 50,000 and 100,000.
TOBU DEPARTMENT STORE
Tobu is a large department store in Ikebukuro center of Tokyo. They sell a variety of items from clothing to food, and contains many restaurants. For more information on the Tobu Department Store, click here.
TOGARASHI
Togarashi is a Japanese word that refers to both red chili peppers and a spice mixture that contains them. The spice mixture varies by maker and typically contains red chili flakes, black pepper, white or black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried citrus peel, hemp seeds, seaweed flakes, and/or ginger.
TOMATO POWDER
Tomato powder is a seasoning made from fresh tomatoes that have been peeled, concentrated, spray-dried and pulverized. It is used to enhance the flavor or many recipes, like tomato paste, but offers a great alternative to opening a whole can when the recipe calls for just a small amount.
TREE NUT FREE
Tree nuts make up a huge portion of available nuts on the market. Notable tree nuts to name a few are almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Tree nut allergies are very prevalent in the United States.
We only include packaged products in our recipes if we have found a tree nut-free version that was 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 tree nuts in a highly allergic home or when a highly allergic person is present, no matter how well labeled or out of reach. Use disposable dishes and tableware. Discuss how to handle food preparation in advance with any guest who has a serious allergy.
For more information on avoiding tree nuts, click here.
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Trinidad and Tobago is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, northeast of Venezuela. For more information on Trinidad and Tobago, click here.
TUICA
A traditional Romanian spirit made from plums, typically with an ABV between 28% and 60%.
TURBINADO SUGAR
Turbinado sugar is a minimally processed, minimally refined sweetener made from cane sugar. Brown in color, it is often confused with brown sugar. Turbinado sugar, however, has a higher moisture content, which will make a difference in baking, so it’s best to use the sugar that is called for in the recipe unless you are skilled enough to reduce another liquid in the ingredient list. With its large crystals, it’s great for sugar toppings on cookies and other baked goods. Like demerara sugar, it is made by drying the juice of the sugar cane and then spinning it in a centrifuge to purify it. Store in a cool, dry place.
TURKISH BALDO RICE
Baldo rice is short grain rice that is similar to many of the rice types used for risotto. Baldo rice is not widely grown in the USA, however, it can be purchased at specialty shops or ordered online.
