Are You Mispronouncing Food Words?
A challenge I notice through my involvement with “food” is the mispronunciations of food words. Working in the spice shop I hear customers doing their best to pronounce food words they aren’t familiar with. Many times they preface their mispronunciation with a comment like,” I’m not sure I’m saying this right”.
I’ve been checking to make sure I’m pronouncing these difficult words correctly using this great book called “Food Lover’s Companion”, which was a gift from one of my BFF’s (you know who you are). It is a comprehensive book with definitions of nearly 6000 food, drink and culinary terms. If this book is not part of your “kitchen” library it should be! Mine is copyrighted 2001 and I’m sure there are newer versions. Might need one of those!
Anise is a one that people pronounce a few different ways. According to the Food Lover’s Companion [AN-ihss] is the correct way to say the word Anise. A member of the parsley family – did you know? Both the leaves and seeds have a distinct licorice flavor.
Za’Atar, is popular in Middle Eastern kitchens. Pronounced [ZAH-tahr] this spice is a blend of toasted sesame seeds, dried thyme, dried marjoram and sumac. Often used as a dip for bread by first dipping or drizzling the bread with olive oil. Go to this post to read all about Za’Atar and bread dipping!
Who doesn’t love a flaky-buttery rich croissant? But can you pronounce it? [kwah-SAHN, KWAH-sawn or kruh-Sahnt] are all acceptable.The origin actually dates back to 1868 when Austria was at war with Turkey. A group of bakers, hearing Turks tunneling under their kitchens, spread the alarm that subsequently led to the Turkish defeat. In turn the bakers were awarded the privilege of creating a commemorative pastry in the shape of the crescent on the Turkish flag! Crazy!
The classic croissant was born in the early 1900’s when a French baker had the inspiration to make it with a dough similar to puff pastry. My favorite? Stuffed with chocolate!
Tzatziki [dzah-DZEE-kee] This Greek word is challenging at best – wouldn’t you say? I love this stuff though. A sauce made with drained plain yogurt, grated or chopped cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar and diced fresh dill or mint. So refreshing and perfect as a condiment with a Gyro or served as a dip with crackers or fresh veggies.
Speaking of a Gyro – how do you pronounce this word? [JEER-oh], [ZHEER-oh], [YEE-roh] depending on who you are. Tzatziki is delicious with this pita filled with spiced, minced lamb that is roasted on a spit. Generally topped with grilled onion and sweet peppers. The Middle Eastern version is Shawarma.
Which leads to an other tough word – Shawarma. [shuh-WAHR-mah], [sh-WAHR-mah] The hot meat, marinated lamb, sometimes chicken or veal, is wrapped in lavash or pita bread, spread with hummus or tahini and topped with shredded vegetables.
Let’s switch countries for a sec. Cheese – Italian cheese – Mozzarella. [maht-suh-REHL-lah], [moht-suh-REHL-lah] Most of you know this cheese. Hailing from Italy, a mild, white, fresh cheese, with a semi-soft, elastic texture. One of my all-time favorites – Caprese salad, fresh sliced tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, fresh basil with a drizzle of syrupy balsamic and olive oil. Here is a recipe for the cutest Caprese Stack’s that are perfect for any summer gathering.
I’ll end with this word Gourmand [goor-MAHND]. Are you a gourmand? I definitely am and you could be too. The definition according to Food Lover’s Companion is: A gourmand is one who appreciates fine food…..often to indiscriminate excess. I work hard at leaving out the “in excess” part but boy do I love fine food!
Are there any words that you stumble over in the food world? Leave me a comment with the word and I’ll check it out in my handy Food Lover’s Companion and get back to you!
Bon Appetit!
