TOEFL® Vocabulary Flashcard

Baking is a cooking method that involves cooking food by dry heat, typically in an oven. It is a popular technique for making bread, cakes, pastries, and other desserts. Baking can be a leisure activity and a way to express creativity through various recipes and presentations. It requires not only a good understanding of ingredients and their interactions but also precise control over temperature and time.

• Baking requires precise measurements and timing.

• She spends her weekends baking cakes and cookies.

• I bought a new baking pan to try out some bread recipes.

• My passion for baking drove me across the world, learning from the most significant master chefs. In the last 8 years, I have worked as a head pastry chef in several 5-star luxury hotels. 

Bread is one of the oldest prepared foods, dating back to the Neolithic era. It is made primarily from a dough of flour and water, usually by baking. Throughout history, it has been a popular staple food in many parts of the world and comes in various forms, such as loaves, rolls, and flatbreads. The process of making bread can vary widely, often incorporating different ingredients like seeds, nuts, fruits, and spices to alter the flavor and texture.

• I like to eat fresh bread with butter.

• Bread is a staple food in many cultures.

• He learned how to bake bread during the quarantine. 

A cheese board is a selection of various cheeses presented on a board, often accompanied by crackers, fruit, nuts, and sometimes meats. It serves not only as a delightful appetizer or snack but also as an aesthetic addition to gatherings and parties. Selecting the right combination of cheeses and accompaniments can enhance the overall tasting experience.

• We should prepare a cheese board for the party tonight.

• A well-arranged cheese board can be the centerpiece of a good gathering.

• Do you have any recommendations on what to include in a cheese board? 

Cream is a dairy product composed of the higher-butterfat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization.. Cream is used as an ingredient in many foods, including ice cream, many sauces, soups, stews, and some custard bases, and is also used for cakes. It can be whipped to a fluffy texture and served as whipped cream, which is often sweetened and sometimes flavored with vanilla. Cream is also used in coffee, served both in its liquid form and more substantially as a topping in some variants of espresso drinks. 

• I like to add a dollop of cream to my coffee for extra richness.

• The recipe calls for heavy cream to make the sauce thicker.

• She whipped the cream until it formed soft peaks for the dessert topping.

Croutons are small pieces of bread that have been seasoned and either baked or fried until crispy. They are commonly used as a garnish or an added texture in soups and salads. Making your croutons is a great way to use up stale bread and can be customized with various seasonings to suit different dishes.

• I added some crispy croutons to my tomato soup to give it some texture.

• The salad was topped with garlic croutons, adding a nice crunch.

• Make your own croutons by cubing day-old bread and baking it with a little olive oil. 

Garlic bread is a popular side dish often served with Italian meals like pasta and pizza. It's made by spreading a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and herbs on bread, typically a baguette or ciabatta, and then baking it until golden and crispy. It can also include additional toppings like cheese or parsley for extra flavor. Garlic bread offers a delightful combination of savory garlic flavor and the satisfying crunch of toasted bread.

• We had garlic bread with our pasta dinner last night.

• Garlic bread is best served warm and crispy.

• Can you make some garlic bread for the barbecue? 

Gouda is a type of cheese that originates from the Netherlands. It is one of the most popular cheeses worldwide and is known for its rich, unique flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Gouda can be aged for different periods, which affects its taste and texture. Young Gouda is typically mild and soft, while older Gouda is harder and has a stronger, more complex flavor.

• I bought some Gouda cheese to make a grilled cheese sandwich.

• The Gouda cheese melted perfectly and tasted delicious.

• We visited a cheese factory and learned how Gouda is aged to enhance its flavor.

Ice cream is a popular dessert that comes in various flavors and styles. It can be served in a cone, a cup, or even as part of other desserts like cakes or pies. Ice cream is loved worldwide and is particularly delightful during warm weather or as a treat at any time of the year.

• I love eating ice cream on a hot day.

• Vanilla ice cream is my favorite flavor.

• The ice cream shop offers more than thirty different flavors. 

Manchego is a type of cheese that comes from the La Mancha region of Spain, known for its distinctive flavor and firm texture. It is made from the milk of Manchega sheep and can be aged for different periods, which affects its flavor and texture. Manchego is often enjoyed in slices, grated over dishes, or as part of a cheese platter, making it a versatile and beloved choice in many culinary contexts.

• I love adding Manchego cheese to my salads for an extra touch of flavor.

• Manchego cheese is traditionally made using sheep's milk from the La Mancha region.

• Aged Manchego pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine. 

Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert that has gained international fame. It consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers (a type of light, dry sponge cake) interspersed with a rich cream made from mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, often topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. Its name means "pick me up" or "cheer me up" in Italian, which reflects the invigorating combination of coffee and cocoa.

• For dessert, I would love to have a slice of tiramisu.

• The tiramisu was so creamy and delicious that I couldn't resist having a second serving.

• Have you ever tried making tiramisu at home? It's easier than you might think!

• I made tiramisu for dessert, and it was a hit at the dinner party.

Whipped cream is a popular culinary product made by beating heavy cream until it becomes light and fluffy. It is often sweetened with sugar and enhanced with vanilla or other flavorings. Whipped cream is commonly used as a topping for desserts like pies, ice cream, and hot chocolate, and can also be used as a filling for pastries or cakes. 

• I love adding whipped cream to my hot chocolate.

• The dessert was served with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

• Can you pass me the whipped cream for the pie?