http://www.foodsubs.com > fruit > dried fruit
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is a terrific snack, but cooks also use it in everything from muffins to stews. Drying has the obvious advantage of letting us enjoy our favorite fruit when it's out of season, but it also serves to concentrate the fruit's flavor and sugar. Since high concentrations of sugar ward off bacteria, dried fruit can last up to a year without refrigeration. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you can dry fruit just by leaving it out in the sun for a few days. If not, you can use an oven or dehydrator. Sulfur dioxide is sometimes added to the fruit to improve its shelf life and color. If you're allergic to it, you can usually find unsulfured dried fruit at health food stores. In a pinch, you can remove some of the sulfur by boiling treated dried fruit for a minute or so, then draining off the liquid. Substitutes: nuts
apple, dried Notes: These are popular additions to trail mixes. They're often treated with sulfur to improve their color and shelf life. Substitutes: dried pear
apricot, dried Notes: Turkish dried apricots are lighter in color and milder in flavor than other varieties. They're often treated with sulfur to improve their color and shelf life. Substitutes: dried peach OR dried nectarines OR dried tomatoes
dried apricot paste = qamar el-deen = ameerdine Notes: People in the Middle East usually make a drink out of this fruit leather by putting it into boiling water. During Ramadan, it's often served before and after the day-long fast. Look for it in Middle Eastern markets. banana, dried Notes: These usually come in two forms: long spears, which are very sweet and best for cooking, and chips, which are fried in oil, crunchy, and best suited for trail mixes. Substitutes: dried coconut OR other dried fruit
cantaloupe, dried Notes: These are very sweet and have an intense cantaloupe flavor. Substitutes: dried papaya
carrots, dried Notes: These are used to make muffins and cakes.
cherry, dried Notes: These are large and sweet, and they can serve as a refreshing alternative to raisins in many recipes. Substitutes: dried cranberries (not as sweet) OR raisins OR dried apricots OR currants
Chinese date = Chinese red date = red date = senjed = Chinese jujube (dried) = jujube (dried) Pronunciation: JEW-jewb Notes: When fresh, these fruits are crisp like apples and have a mild, sweet flavor. In the United States, they're most often available dried. Substitutes: dates (sweeter) OR dried apples OR prunes OR raisins
Chinese jujube See Chinese date.
Chinese red date See Chinese date.
citrus peel, dried = fruit peel, dried To make your own: Begin with orange, lemon, tangerine, or grapefruit peels, scrape off and discard as much of the bitter white pith as possible, and dry what's left in the sun until hard. Substitutes: grated zest from a fresh peel (Fresh peels are better than dried peels since they have more aromatic oils.)
Craisins See cranberries, dried.
cranberries, dried Notes: With their flashy color and tangy flavor, dried cranberries are a good alternative to raisins in many recipes. Craisins is a well-known brand. Substitutes: raisins (not as tart) OR dried cherries OR currants
currants = Zante currants = Zante raisins = dried Corinth grapes Notes: These dried Zante grapes look like tiny raisins. Don't confuse them with the fresh sour berry that also called a currant. Substitutes: raisins (larger) OR golden raisins (for baking) date, dried Notes: If you plan to chop them, look for cooking dates, date pieces, or pressed dates--they're a lot cheaper than the exquisite dessert dates that are intended to be eaten whole. Substitutes: dried figs OR raisins OR fresh dates (crunchier and not as sweet)
ghora angur See sumac berries.
jujube See Chinese date.
kokum = kokum ful = cocum Notes: This Indian souring agent is made from dried mangosteen peels. It's often used in fish dishes. Look for it in Indian markets. Substitutes: tamarind paste (Substitute one teaspoon for every piece of kokum call for in recipe.) leechee nut See litchi nut.
lichee nut See litchi nut.
lichi nut See litchi nut.
lychee nut See litchi nut.
mango, dried Notes: These are sometimes coated with sugar. Substitutes: dried papaya
mulberries, dried = toot Notes: These are the size of large raisins, and they taste like very dry figs. Look for them in Middle Eastern markets. muscat raisins Notes: These are large and very sweet. Substitutes: raisins (smaller and less sweet) OR golden raisins (golden color, smaller, more tart) OR dried dates
nectarines, dried Notes: These are similar to dried peaches, but often a bit more expensive. They're often treated with sulfur. Substitutes: dried peaches OR dried apricots papaya, dried Notes: These are sometimes coated with sugar. Substitutes: dried cantaloupe OR dried mango
peach, dried Notes: These are similar to dried apricots, only larger and milder. They're often treated with sulfur. Substitutes: dried nectarines OR dried apricots
pear, dried Notes: These don't have the cloying sweetness of some dried fruits. They're often gassed with sulfur dioxide in the drying process in order to improve their color and shelf life. Substitutes: dried apples
persimmon, dried Substitutes: other dried fruit
pineapple, dried Notes: These are sometimes coated with sugar. Substitutes: dried papaya OR dried mango
plum, dried See prune.
prune = dried plum Notes: In a marketing makeover, producers are starting to call these dried plums instead of prunes. Whatever you call them, they're sweet and just loaded with dietary fiber, iron, and other nutrients. You can eat them whole, chop them into sauces and stews, or make a compote out of them. Substitutes: raisins OR dried figs
raisins = dried grapes Notes: The common raisins we see on supermarket shelves are usually dried Thompson seedless grapes. Golden raisins are amber in color and somewhat tart--many cooks prefer them over ordinary raisins for baking and cooking. Muscat raisins are dark and very sweet, and they work well in fruitcakes. Currants are about one-quarter the size of ordinary raisins, and are typically used in baked goods. Store raisins in the refrigerator after you open the package. Substitutes: prunes OR dried cranberries OR dried apricots OR dried dates OR dried cherries OR chocolate chips OR nuts OR dried figs (stronger flavor) red date See Chinese date.
senjed See Chinese date.
somagh See sumac berries.
sour prunes Notes: Look for these in Middle Eastern markets. Substitutes: Soak ordinary prunes in vinegar overnight. OR tamarind paste strawberries, dried Notes: These are sweet and chewy, and they're great in trail mixes or granola. Substitutes: dried cherries Zante currants See currant.
Zante raisins See currant.
Copyright © 1996-2005 Lori Alden
http://www.foodsubs.com > dairy > cheese > fresh cheeses
fresh cheese = unripened cheese = curd cheeses = curd-style cheeses
Most fresh cheese is made by curdling milk with an enzyme, and then draining off the whey. The curds that remain are molded into cheese. Fresh cheeses tend to be bland, so they're often used as vehicles for other flavorings. Some, like cream cheese, are used to make dips or cheesecakes. Others, like ricotta cheese, are used as fillings for dumplings, pasta, crepes, or pastries. Still others, like cottage cheese, can be a meal all by themselves once they're perked up with herbs, fruit, or other flavorings.
Fresh cheeses have a higher moisture content and are usually lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses. Most are highly perishable, so check the expiration date when you buy them and keep them tightly wrapped or covered in the refrigerator. Moist fresh cheeses like cottage cheese and ricotta should be eaten within a week of purchase; firmer cheeses like cream cheese and farmer's cheese can usually be stored for about two weeks. Don't eat fresh cheese if mold appears on it.
Tips:
Fresh cheese work best in cold dishes.
Fresh cheeses tend to break when added to hot sauces, so add them at the last minute.
Lactose-intolerant people may prefer aged cheese over fresh, since aged cheese contains less lactose.
Varieties:
Alouette Pronunciation: ah-loo-WET Notes: This is one of several spreadable cheeses that combine cream cheese with various flavorings, like herbs, garlic, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes. You can set them out with crackers for guests, but your gourmet friends probably won't indulge. Substitutes: Boursin (considered better) OR Rondelé
Boursin [boor-SAN] This creamy cheese from France is usually flavored with herbs, garlic or coarse ground pepper. It's mild and delicate, and goes well with fresh bread and dry white wine. Boursin is considered better than some other flavored spreadable cheeses, like Alouette or Rondelé, but none of these cheeses are well regarded by gourmets. Store Boursin in the refrigerator but bring it to room temperature before serving. Eat it within a few days of purchase. Substitutes: Rondelé (a cheaper domestic imitation) OR Alouette (also a cheaper domestic imitation) OR Mix together in a food processor using a steel blade: 8 ounces of cream cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon minced parsley, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Chill for several hours before serving. OR chèvre frais
buttermilk cheese Notes: You won't find this tangy, creamy cheese in supermarkets, but it's easy to make at home. To make your own: Line a colander with several folds of cheesecloth or a kitchen towel. Pour buttermilk into the cloth, then put the colander into a larger container and let it drain overnight in the refrigerator until it's reduced to a cheeselike consistency. Substitutes: ricotta cheese (especially as a pasta filling) OR cream cheese (especially in cheesecakes) Caprini Pronunciation: cuh-PREE-nee Notes: This is an excellent Italian fresh cheese that's hard to find in the U.S. Substitutes:
chaka See yogurt cheese.
chevre frais See goat cheese (fresh).
farm cheese See farmer cheese.
fresh chevre See goat cheese (fresh).
fresh goat cheese See goat cheese (fresh).
fresh Hispanic cheese = fresh Hispanic-style cheese = fresh Mexican cheese Hispanic cooks like their cheese bland and salty, the better to complement their spicy sauces. They also want cheese to hold its shape when heated. Monterey jack, the standard substitute for Hispanic cheeses, tends to ooze out of chiles rellenos and enchiladas when baked. Authentic recipes call for panela or queso blanco, which soften but don't melt when heated.
Hispanic fresh cheeses often keep better than other fresh cheeses--some can be stored for months in the refrigerator.
Varieties:
Best for topping casseroles or bean dishes: queso fresco
Best for fried cheese recipes: queso para freir, queso blanco, queso panela
Best for filling casserole dishes like enchiladas: queso panela, queso blanco
Best for salads: queso panela
Best for tacos and burritos: queso panela
Best for refried beans: queso panela
fromage de chèvre frais See goat cheese (fresh).
fromage frais Pronunciation: froh-MAHZH FRAY Notes: This is the French term for "fresh cheese." This category includes fromage blanc, Petit-Suisse, and chevre frais.
gervais Pronunciation: zher-VAY Notes: Use within a few days after purchasing. For best flavor, serve at room temperature. Substitutes: cream cheese
hoop cheese Substitutes: pot cheese
Indian curd cheese See paneer cheese.
kefir cheese Pronunciation: keh-FEER To make your own: Line a colander with several folds of cheesecloth or a kitchen towel. Pour unflavored kefir into the cloth, then put the colander into a larger container and let it drain overnight in the refrigerator until it's reduced to half its volume. Substitutes: Neufchâtel OR yogurt cheese OR cream cheese labanah See yogurt cheese.
labne See yogurt cheese.
labneh See yogurt cheese.
lebna See yogurt cheese.
mascarpone = mascherpone = Italian cream cheese Pronunciation: mas-car-POH-nay Notes: A key ingredient in tiramisu and zabaglione, mascarpone is velvety soft, slightly acidic, and expensive. Although Italian in origin, the name is said to come from the Spanish mas que bueno, "better than good." It's usually sold in tubs. Use it soon after you purchase it since it's highly perishable. Substitutes: Blend 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup whipping cream. OR Blend 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup cream OR Blend 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/8 cup whipping cream and 1/8 cup sour cream. OR Whip ricotta cheese in a blender until smooth (lower in fat)
Mizithra cheese (soft) = myzithra Notes: Don't confuse this with aged Mizithra, which is a hard grating cheese. Substitutes: cottage cheese
Neufchatel = Neufchâtel Pronunciation: new-shuh-TELL OR NEW-shuh-tell Notes: Neufchâtel is very similar in taste and appearance to cream cheese, but it's made from milk instead of cream so it contains less fat and more moisture. Cheesecakes made with it cook more quickly and are more prone to cracking. Use it within a few days after purchasing, and throw it out if mold appears. For best results, serve chilled. Substitutes: cream cheese (typically higher in fat) OR Boursin
panir cheese See paneer cheese.
petit gervais
Petit-Suisse = Petit Suisse Pronunciation: puh-TEE SWEES Notes: You can buy small six-packs of this rich fresh cheese all over France, but they're hard to find in the U.S. Gervais is a popular brand. Substitutes: fromage blanc OR quark OR cream cheese
Philadelphia See cream cheese.
pressed cheese See farmer cheese.
quark = quark-curd = topfen = quarg = curd-cheese Notes: This versatile fresh cheese resembles soft cream cheese. Germans (who call is quark) and Austrians (who call it topfen) use it to make everything from cheesecake to gravy. To make your own: Combine one quart whole milk with 1/2 cup buttermilk in a clean container, cover, and let the mixture stand at room temperature for two days. Gently cook the mixture for about 30 minutes. It's done when the curd has thickened slightly and begun to separate from the whey. Let it cool and pour it into a colander lined with several folds of cheesecloth. Put the colander into a larger container, wrap with plastic, and let it drain overnight in the refrigerator until the quark is reduced to the consistency of yogurt. Makes about 1 cup. Substitutes: fromage frais (very similar) OR yogurt cheese (more acidic) OR two parts ricotta cheese and one part sour cream OR strained cottage cheese OR mascarpone
queso blanco Notes: This popular Hispanic fresh cheese is often added to casserole or bean dishes, since it holds its shape well when when heated. It's a good cheese for frying or grilling, though queso para freir is a better choice if you can find it. Substitutes: queso para freir OR queso panela OR farmer cheese OR Monterey jack
queso de metate See queso fresco.
queso panela = panela = queso de canasta Notes: This popular Mexican cheese is mild and crumbly, and it doesn't lose its shape when heated. It's often mixed into bean dishes or casserole fillings or crumbled over salads and tacos. It can be fried, though queso para freir or queso blanco hold their shapes better. Queso panela is sometimes served with tropical fruit as a snack or appetizer. Substitutes: queso blanco OR high moisture mozzarella OR queso para freir OR feta OR ricotta OR drained cottage cheese OR Requeson cheese Requeson cheese = Requesón Notes: This fresh Hispanic cheese resembles ricotta cheese, and is used to make dips and desserts. Substitutes: ricotta cheese OR Mix equal parts ricotta and cottage cheese, then place in a cheesecloth-lined colander until some of the liquid has drained off.
ricotta cheese Pronunciation: rih-KAH-tuh Notes: This Italian fresh cheese is made from the watery whey that's drained off in the production of mozzarella, provolone, and other cheeses. Ricotta cheese is sweeter and smoother than cottage cheese, and it's much richer in calcium. You can eat it straight from the tub with fresh fruit, but it's more commonly used as an ingredient in pasta dishes and desserts. Italian ricotta cheeses are made exclusively with whey, while American versions add milk as a stretcher. Low-fat versions are available, and they work quite well in cheesecakes. Use the cheese within a few days after purchasing, and throw it out if mold appears or if it tastes too acidic. To make your own: (Note: This recipe won't work with whey from milk that has been curdled with an acid.) Heat whey until it reaches 200ºF (93ºC), stir in a small amount of vinegar, then pour the whey into a colander lined with butter muslin or a cotton pillowcase. After it's drained to the desired consistency, salt to taste. Substitutes: queso fresco OR goat cheese (fresh) OR cottage cheese (lower in fat) OR pot cheese (drier) OR Requeson cheese OR clabber cream (especially as a pasta filling) OR buttermilk cheese (especially as a pasta filling) OR fromage blanc (lower in fat) OR tofu (firm silken tofu is best; mix with Italian herbs and olive oil if using in pasta dishes) robiola Piemonte Pronunciation: roh-bee-OH-lah pia-MAWN-tay Notes: This creamy fresh cheese from the Piedmond region of Italy is often used for cooking, and it's great on pizza. It's also served as an antipasto along with olive oil and/or fresh herbs. Piedmont robiolas include Langhe Robiola = Robiola delle Langhe, Robiola di Roccaverano, Robiola di Murazzano, and Robiolina di Bosconero. These cheeses are hard to find in the U.S. Don't confuse this with robiola Lombardia, a soft cheese. Substitutes: equal parts ricotta and mascarpone OR ricotta OR mascarpone OR chevre OR Caprini
Rondelé = Rondele Notes: This flavored cream cheese is an inexpensive domestic version of Boursin. Substitutes: Boursin whey cheeses Most cheese is made from curdled milk that has been drained of the watery whey. Not wanting to waste the nutrient-rich whey, our ancestors discovered that they could extract more cheese from it by cooking it until the remaining proteins coagulated. Examples of modern-day whey cheeses include ricotta, Gjetost, Manouri, Mizithra, and Requeson.
white cheese See cream cheese.
Copyright © 1996-2005 Lori Alden