20 cookery and kitchen terms that have different meanings in the USA and Britain

Puzzled when you are looking through the pages of a cookery book from either the USA or Britain, or are looking at a recipe website and you find an apparently exotic ingredient which, if only you knew, was already in your pantry, larder or 'fridge!

As a result, That's Food and drink has compiled this handy reference guide which we suggest you book mark or print off and tack to your kitchen notice board. And please share it with your friends and family members, too.

Eggplant (US) / Aubergine (UK) - A purple vegetable often used in dishes like ratatouille or moussaka.

Zucchini (US) / Courgette (UK) - A green vegetable commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and baked dishes.

Cilantro (US) / Coriander (UK) - A herb with green leaves and a strong, distinctive flavour used in many cuisines.

Scallions (US) / Spring Onions (UK) - A type of onion with long, green stalks and small white bulbs, often used as a garnish or in salads.

Arugula (US) / Rocket (UK) - A leafy green vegetable with a peppery flavour, often used in salads.

Bell Pepper (US) / Capsicum (UK) - A type of pepper with a mild flavour, available in various colorus like red, green, and yellow.

Powdered Sugar (US) / Icing Sugar (UK) - A finely ground sugar used for dusting desserts or making icing.

All-purpose Flour (US) / Plain Flour (UK) - A versatile type of flour suitable for various baking purposes.

Confectioners' Sugar (US) / Icing Sugar (UK) - A finely ground sugar used for making icing or frosting for cakes and pastries.

Molasses (US) / Black Treacle (UK) - A thick, dark syrup derived from sugar cane or sugar beet, used as a sweetener in baking and cooking. 

Candy (US) / Sweets (UK) - Confections typically made with sugar and flavourings

Cookies (US) / Biscuits (UK) - Sweet baked treats often served as snacks or desserts.

Jelly (US) / Jam (UK) - A fruit spread made from fruit juice, sugar, and sometimes pectin, usually set with gelatin in the US and without gelatin in the UK. I must admit that a peanut butter and jam sandwich doesn't sound quite so alluring as as peanut butter and jelly sandwich, for some reason. 

Jell-O (US) / Jelly (UK) - A brand name for flavoured gelatin desserts in the US, but referred to as jelly in the UK.

Broil (US) / Grill (UK) - To cook food directly under or over high heat.

Candy Bar (US) / Chocolate Bar (UK) - A sweet snack made primarily of chocolate, often containing additional ingredients like nuts or caramel.

Potato Chips (US) / Crisps (UK) - Thin slices of potato that are fried or baked until crispy and served as a snack.

French Fries (US) / Chips (UK) - Thin strips of potato that are deep-fried until crispy and served as a side dish. Though British chips are often much chunkier than French fries. In the US thicker fries are often called steak fries.

Ground Beef (US) / Minced Beef (UK) - Beef that has been finely chopped or ground, often used as a base for dishes like hamburgers or meatballs or cottage pie in the UK.

Garbanzo Beans (US) / Chickpeas (UK) - A type of legume commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Small Essex Brownie Producer, Brownie Things LTD, Partners with Valet Seller LLC to Expand into the US Market

This US expansion heralds a new era for Brownie Things LTD, delivering our artisanal excellence to American shores," said Martins Strals for the company.

Brownie Things LTD, famed for its artisanal brownies and blondies, has announced a strategic expansion into the USA, partnering with Valet Seller LLC. 

This move not only marks a significant stride in the company's global reach but also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality products worldwide.

Established by Martins Strals and Luke Goold, Brownie Things LTD has become a hallmark of excellence in the gourmet baked goods sector. The founders' dedication to using only the finest of available ingredients, like premium butter and premium chocolate, and avoiding any substitutes such as margarine or palm oils, has been the cornerstone of their success. This ethos of uncompromising quality has garnered the company critical acclaim, including being named 'Baked Goods Delivery Business of the Year 2023.'

"Our mission at Brownie Things LTD transcends making delectable brownies; it's about bringing a piece of culinary art to every table, in every corner of the world," explained Martins Strals. 

"Our partnership with Valet Seller LLC is a vital part of this mission, ensuring our products reach our customers in the US with the same freshness and quality that defines us."

Valet Seller LLC, a distinguished name in distribution and fulfillment, will be instrumental in managing Brownie Things LTD's operations within North America. This collaboration is a testament to the company's dedication to maintaining quality at every stage – from creation to delivery. The partnership facilitates the company's entry into prominent US online marketplaces, including walmart.com and amazon.com, with plans to extend to Kroger and its family stores.

The decision to partner with Valet Seller LLC is rooted in a shared ethos of excellence and customer satisfaction. "We understand that the journey of our products from our ovens to our customers' homes is crucial. Valet Seller LLC shares our vision of upholding the highest standards in every aspect of this journey, making them the ideal partner for our expansion," Luke Goold added.

FACTFILE:

Founded by Martins Strals and Luke Goold, Brownie Things LTD is a UK-based leader in gourmet brownies and blondies, recognised for its commitment to using real, high-quality ingredients. With accolades such as 'Baked Goods Delivery Business of the Year 2023,' the company is poised to make a significant impact in the global market, starting with its expansion into the USA and Europe.

To learn more please visit https://www.browniethings.uk

Exploring the Delicious Diversity of American Cheese Styles

When we think of cheese, France, Italy, Switzerland, the UK and Ireland often come to mind. 

But the United States has quietly been making a name for itself in the world of cheese. With a rich history and a growing artisanal cheese industry, American cheese is more diverse and delicious than you might realise. 

In this blog post, we will take a journey through some of the most popular and unique American cheese styles that are making their mark on the global culinary stage.

Cheddar: A Classic American Staple

Cheddar cheese is a true American classic. Its origins can be traced back to English settlers who brought the cheese-making tradition with them to the New World. Today, American cheddar comes in various styles, from mild and creamy to sharp and crumbly. Vermont and Wisconsin are known for their exceptional cheddar, but it's produced in many states. Cheddar's versatility makes it perfect for sandwiches, mac and cheese, or a simple cheese platter.

Monterey Jack: California's Creamy Treasure

Monterey Jack, originally hailing from California, is another American favourite. It's a semi-soft, mild cheese known for its smooth texture and delicate, buttery flavour. Some varieties include jalapeño or pepper jack, which add a spicy kick to your dishes. Monterey Jack's versatility extends to melting beautifully on burgers and in Tex-Mex dishes.

Colby: A Mellow, Creamy Delight

Colby cheese, named after the town of Colby, Wisconsin, is a mild, semi-soft cheese that is often compared to cheddar. It boasts a smooth and creamy texture with a slightly milder flavour. Colby cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches and snacking, and it also pairs wonderfully with fruits and nuts.

Blue Cheese: Bold and Tangy

Blue cheese has a strong presence in American cheese culture, thanks to varieties like Roquefort and Gorgonzola. Point Reyes Blue from California and Maytag Blue from Iowa are excellent domestic choices. Blue cheese is famous for its pungent aroma and distinctive blue veins, which result from the introduction of specific moulds during the cheese-making process. It's a bold choice for salads, dressings, or as a standalone cheese.

Swiss Cheese: Holes and All

Swiss cheese, with its iconic holes (known as "eyes"), is a delightful American cheese style. The most famous Swiss cheese in the United States is likely baby Swiss, which has smaller eyes and a slightly creamier texture. Swiss cheese is often used in sandwiches, quiches, and fondue, but it also makes a great snacking option.

American Cheese: The Melting Hero

American cheese is perhaps the most recognisable American cheese style. Although it's often associated with processed slices, there are artisanal American cheese makers crafting high-quality, aged American cheese. This style is excellent for melting, making it a real must for classic grilled cheese sandwiches and cheeseburgers.

Goat Cheese: The Creamy Elegance

Goat cheese has gained popularity in recent years and is now a prominent American cheese style. It's known for its creamy texture and tangy, earthy flavour. American goat cheese comes in various forms, from soft and spreadable to aged and crumbly. It's a superb choice for salads, pastas, or as a spread on a charcuterie board.

American cheese styles are as diverse as the country itself, ranging from the classics like cheddar to the more unique flavours of blue cheese and goat cheese. The American cheese scene is thriving, with artisanal producers creating high-quality cheeses that can compete on the global stage. Whether you're a cheese connoisseur or just starting your cheese journey, there's a wide array of American cheeses waiting to be explored, tasted, and enjoyed. So, go ahead, and indulge in the delicious diversity of American cheese styles, and savour the flavours that America has to offer.

Demystifying Thanksgiving: A Taste of American Tradition

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved and cherished holidays in the United States. It's a time when families and friends come together to express gratitude, reflect on the year, and, of course, enjoy a bountiful feast. 

While Thanksgiving may not be a familiar concept in the UK, this blog post aims to demystify the holiday and provide a delicious glimpse into a typical Thanksgiving meal.

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has its roots in the early 17th century when English Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated a successful harvest together. This historic event is considered the precursor to the modern Thanksgiving holiday. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and is a time for reflection, family togetherness, and feasting.

The Turkey

At the heart of any Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. A large, roasted turkey is the centrepiece of the table, and it's a tradition that dates back to those early Pilgrims. The turkey is typically seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and then roasted to golden perfection. It's a symbol of abundance and a gesture of gratitude for the blessings of the year.

Stuffing

Accompanying the turkey is a generous serving of stuffing. This dish is made from breadcrumbs or cubed bread mixed with savoury ingredients like onions, celery, herbs, and sometimes nuts or fruits. The stuffing is stuffed into the turkey's cavity or baked separately, and it's full of rich, comforting flavours.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes, often creamy and buttery, are another staple on the Thanksgiving table. They provide a comforting contrast to the robust flavours of the turkey and stuffing, making them a beloved side dish.

Gravy

To tie everything together, a rich and flavourful gravy is drizzled over the turkey and mashed potatoes. It's made from the turkey's pan drippings and is essential for enhancing the overall taste of the meal.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tartness to the meal. This bright red sauce is made from cranberries, sugar, and sometimes a hint of orange zest. It's the perfect accompaniment to the savory turkey and sides.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato dishes, often baked or mashed with brown sugar and topped with marshmallows or pecans, bring a deliciously sweet and comforting element to the Thanksgiving spread.

Green Bean Casserole

A classic Thanksgiving vegetable side is green bean casserole. It consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions on top. It's a creamy and crunchy dish that balances out the richness of the other components.

Pumpkin Pie

For dessert, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. Made from a spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky pie crust, it's a symbol of autumn's harvest and a sweet ending to the feast.

Thanksgiving in the United States is more than just a meal; it's a cherished tradition that celebrates gratitude and togetherness. The typical Thanksgiving meal, featuring a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and various other delicious dishes, is a testament to the American spirit of abundance and unity. While Thanksgiving may be a uniquely American holiday, the values of gratitude and the joy of sharing a delightful meal are universal. So, if you ever have the opportunity to experience a Thanksgiving meal, be prepared for a culinary journey full of warmth, flavour, and heartfelt appreciation.

(Image courtesy of Julie Rothe from Pixabay)

Aldi can help you source your 4th of July Feasting

Aldi's new American snack range starts from just 99p.The range also includes cheeseburger crisps and New York cookie kits.

Aldi is celebrating all things American with the release of a special US-themed snack range ahead of 4th July. American snacks are a hit online, with #americansnacks amassing 147 million views on TikTok, and Aldi is making sure Brits don’t miss out on the action.

The new range includes a selection of savoury must haves and confectionary goods including a returning favourite Durkee Marshmallow Fluff (213g), available in original or strawberry flavour for just £1.99!

Shoppers can launch their day with the brand-new Birthday Cake Cereal (£1.99, 350g), available for £7 less than Tim Hortons Timbits Birthday Cake Cereal, or even S’mores Cereal (£1.99, 375g), with a crunchy, chocolate coated graham cracker exterior covering the soft marshmallow underneath, reminiscent of the favourite American treat.

Or customers can opt for a classic US-style breakfast with the new American Pancakes (£1.49, 6 pack) – top with crispy bacon and Specially Selected Maple Syrup (£3.99, 250ml) for an extra sweet finish.

For lovers of sweet treats, Aldi has launched a range of new cereal bars in three delicious popular US flavours – Caramelised Biscuit, Peanut Butter and Rocky Rainbow (£1.49, 120g). The New York Style Cookie Kit (£1.69, 300g) is the ultimate dessert, whether shoppers like them extra crunchy or gooey in the middle, these bake-at-home cookies can be eaten at whatever the desired texture.

From sweet to savoury, the new Specially Selected Hand Cooked Cheeseburger Crisps (£1.09, 150g) and Specially Selected Buffalo Wings Crisps (£1.09, 150g) are sure to go down a treat! Aldi’s new American range is available in stores and via Click & Collect from 29th June, while stocks last.