Cooking Lessons Cooking Trivia 4

Question 1

Which grain must be rinsed before cooking to remove its naturally bitter saponin coating?

Accepted Answer

Quinoa

Answer

Quinoa seeds are coated in saponins, which taste bitter or soapy unless rinsed off.

Question 2

What distinguishes baking soda from baking powder?

Accepted Answer

Baking powder contains both a base and an acid

Answer

Baking powder combines sodium bicarbonate with a dry acid, so it leavens without needing acidic ingredients.

Question 3

Which cheese is traditionally used in an authentic Italian tiramisu?

Accepted Answer

Mascarpone

Answer

Tiramisu is made with mascarpone, a rich, soft Italian cream cheese.

Question 4

What is the term for pasta cooked so it is still slightly firm to the bite?

Accepted Answer

Al dente

Answer

Al dente literally means 'to the tooth,' describing pasta with a slight firmness when bitten.

Question 5

Which spice is the most expensive in the world by weight?

Accepted Answer

Saffron

Answer

Saffron threads are hand-harvested stigmas of crocus flowers, making it the priciest spice by weight.

Cooking Lessons Practice Test