Can You Answer These Kitchen Questions Great Home Cooks Should Know?

By: Kirsten
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Can You Answer These Kitchen Questions Great Home Cooks Should Know?
Image: yulkapopkova/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Home cooking can be a lot of fun. It allows you to experiment with new flavors, unleash your creativity and enjoy delicious homemade food. You can also easily customize a meal according to your preferences, allergies or dietary requirements. To top things off, cooking at home is typically cheaper than eating out. You can save a lot of money in the long run! Needless to say, there are so many perks to home cooking.

It all comes down to knowing your way around the kitchen. This is where the magic happens, after all.

Take a minute to think about your kitchen and cooking knowledge. Can you identify different cooking techniques? Are you familiar with common kitchen tools, appliances and equipment? What about basic units of measurements — and their conversions?

Oh, and we can’t forget about the ingredients themselves. Every home chef should know how to make basic components like roux and stock. It also doesn’t hurt to know a thing or two about preparing meat and produce, too.

So, how well do you know the kitchen? Find out and test your chops with this fun quiz for home cooks!

Which thickening agent is made of equal parts fat and flour?
Panade
Liason
Roux
Corn starch
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roux is used to thicken soups, sauces and gravies. Usually, it's made with clarified butter, but you can also use oil or bacon fat. It only takes one or two minutes to prepare a roux.

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How many tablespoons are in 1/2 cup?
2
4
6
8
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are 16 tablespoons in one cup. So, this means that are eight tablespoons in 1/2 cup. If you're diving or multiplying a recipe, this conversion will come in handy.

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What does it mean to cut food into thin strips, about the size of matchsticks?
Julienne
Score
Dice
Shred
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From cheese to carrots, many foods can be cut in this style. You can use a knife or a julienne peeler, a handy tool that will keep the pieces around the same size.

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Which of the following can NOT be used to puree food?
Blender
Food processor
Double boiler
Food mill
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A double boiler is used to warm delicate ingredients like chocolate or custard. However, if you want to mash up food, the other three options will get the job done.

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This term is another word for "peel."
Mince
Grate
Glaze
Pare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you remove the skin of a fruit or vegetable, you are paring (or peeling) the food. You can do it with a vegetable peeler, knife or fancy peeling machine!

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Velouté sauce is made out of blond roux and...
Vinegar
Brown stock
White stock
Water
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the world of classical cuisine, velouté sauce is both important and versatile. It's used as a base for soups and sauces! Once you know how to make velouté, the possibilities are endless.

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You can shuck all of these foods except...
Oysters
Salmon
Clams
Corn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term "shuck" refers to the shell or husk of something. So, "shucking" means to remove that shell or husk before cooking and eating. You can also shuck the shells from nuts.

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Why should you soak wooden skewers in water before using them to grill food?
It prevents the wooden skewers from burning.
It makes the food taste better.
It shortens cooking time.
It makes clean up easier.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It doesn't take much for wooden skewers to burn on a grill! Luckily, you can prevent this by soaking them in water for up to 30 minutes. Do this just before you thread the skewers through food.

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If you need to cut food into very tiny pieces, what should you do?
Mince
Score
Cube
Julienne
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Herbs, garlic and onion are often minced to evenly distribute flavor in a dish. However, it's possible to mince many types off foods, including meat. You can do so with a meat grinder.

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Traditional tortillas are usually made of corn or what type of flour?
Coconut
Rice
Potato
Wheat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A tortilla is basically a thin and round unleavened bread. And while tortillas can be made with different types of ingredients, corn and wheat flour are the traditional choices.

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This cooking method involves submerging food in hot liquid.
Baking
Poaching
Grilling
Pan frying
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Poaching and boiling might seem similar, but they're actually quite different. In poaching, the liquid stays below the boiling point, about 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

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What does it mean when solid food is weeping?
The food is burnt.
The food is sad.
Liquid is separating from the food.
The food is frozen.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Weeping happens when moisture drips or oozes from solid food. This can happen with dishes like jellies, meringues and custards. Often, it's a sign that the ingredients weren't prepared or cooked properly.

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This outer layer of citrus fruits is typically used as seasoning.
Seed
Shuck
Pulp
Zest
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In a citrus fruit, the zest is the colored part of the peel. It can add color and flavor to your dishes! Use a fruit zester or grater to remove the zest from fruits like lemons, oranges or limes.

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What is the safe minimum cooking temperature for chicken?
140 degrees Fahrenheit
200 degrees Fahrenheit
165 degrees Fahrenheit
105 degrees Fahrenheit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

According to FoodSafety.gov, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes ground chicken, whole chicken and chicken thighs, legs and wings.

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Hollandaise sauce is made of clarified butter, egg yolks, and...
Mayonnaise
Margarine
Ketchup
Lemon juice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hollandaise sauce gets its slightly tangy flavor from lemon juice. You can also add ingredients like salt, cayenne pepper and Worcestershire sauce for more flavor.

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What is another word for fish eggs?
Rotisserie
Roe
Shuck
Brine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Roe is one of the best sources of healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids. Red roe, which is red or orange, is often used in sushi. Black roe is also known as caviar.

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Balsamic vinegar is made of fermented...
Tea
Apple juice
Molasses
Grape juice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To make balsamic vinegar, concentrated grape juice is fermented for 12 years in wooden kegs. It's also possible to buy balsamic vinegar that has been aged for 100 years!

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How many tablespoons are in 1/4 cup?
2
4
6
8
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One cup contains 16 tablespoons. So, 1/4 cup equals 4 tablespoons. This conversion is handy if you need to make half of a recipe — or lost your measuring cups.

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What is the boiling point of water?
212 degrees Fahrenheit
240 degrees Fahrenheit
175 degrees Fahrenheit
305 degrees Fahrenheit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Generally, water will boil at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. But did you know that altitude makes a difference? The higher the altitude, the lower the boiling point of water.

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Why is brown stock darker than white stock?
The ingredients are roasted before simmering.
It contains extra spices.
Gravy is added to the stock.
It's made with brown sugar.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Brown stock is made by simmering animal bones that have already been roasted. This extra step caramelizes the bones and adds flavor, too! The stock can then be used for soups or stews.

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The term "rocket" is another name for this leafy green.
Lettuce
Kale
Arugula
Spinach
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Rocket" comes from "roquette", the French word for arugula. It has a strong and peppery flavor that pairs well with milder ingredients like lettuce or mozzarella cheese.

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What is the safe minimum cooking temperature of steak?
120 degrees Fahrenheit
145 degrees Fahrenheit
200 degrees Fahrenheit
180 degrees Fahrenheit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whether you're cooking beef, veal or lamb steak, the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that harmful bacteria is destroyed.

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A basic aioli sauce does not contain...
Balsamic vinegar
Egg yolks
Lemon juice
Garlic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Aioli is often called garlic mayonnaise. It's made of garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice and olive oil. You can also add herbs and salt for extra flavor.

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What is the purpose of garnishes?
To decorate a dish or drink
To speed up cooking
To cool down a dish
To prevent spoiling
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A garnish is a food item that makes your meal or drink look more attractive. In French, "garnish" translates "to adorn." Examples of garnishes include fresh herbs and lemon slices.

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Where is the safest place to marinate raw meat?
On the counter
In the refrigerator
On the table
In the oven
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Raw meat can spread harmful bacteria. And if you leave it out at room temperature, the bacteria can easily multiply! You can prevent this by marinating raw meat in the refrigerator.

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Which kitchen appliance cooks food on a flat and smooth surface?
Waffle maker
Grill
Griddle
Colander
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A griddle, or flat grill, is ideal for cooking foods like pancakes, crab cakes and quesadillas. The open and flat design of a griddle also makes it easier to flip food.

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Why is it important to use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables?
It prevents harmful bacteria from spreading.
It makes food taste better.
It speeds up the process of cutting food.
It makes food last longer.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Raw meat, poultry and seafood can spread harmful bacteria. By using separate cutting boards, you can make sure germs don't spread to food that's ready to eat, like vegetables.

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To make a glaze, what should you do?
Boil a liquid.
Freeze a liquid.
Mix liquid and solid ingredients.
Simmer a liquid.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A glaze is made by simmering a liquid until some of it evaporates. This process, which is called reducing, creates a concentrated sauce-like substance. A little goes a long way!

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What is a small broiler that's used to melt or brown the top of foods?
Toaster
Mixer
Salamander
Skewer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Have you ever wondered how restaurants melt cheese on top of food? It's all thanks to a salamander! This kitchen appliance finishes off food by releasing heat from above.

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Which one is a type of Chinese cabbage?
Bok choy
Romaine
Arugula
Napa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bok choy is also known as tatsoi, pak choi and spoon cabbage. Most types have edible stems and leaves. Bok choy is often used in stir fry, kimchi and soups.

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About how many teaspoons are in one tablespoon?
3
2
4
6
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you need to divide or multiply a recipe, knowing this conversion can come in handy. You can use it for measuring ingredients like spices, baking soda and more.

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Food shouldn't be left out of the refrigerator for more than...
5 hours
30 minutes
2 hours
3 hours
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, you should always refrigerate food — raw or cooked — within two hours. Otherwise, bacteria can multiply and potentially spoil the food.

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What is the "yield" of a recipe?
The color of the final dish
The number of ingredients used
The cooking time of the recipe
The amount of food the recipe makes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Every recipe yields a specific amount of food. Usually, this is listed as the number of servings. It's important to know the yield of a recipe when you're cooking for a group of people.

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Which of the following is not a root vegetable?
Sweet potato
Eggplant
Ginger
Carrot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Root vegetables like carrots and radishes grow in the ground. They also thrive during cooler seasons! Meanwhile, eggplants grow above the ground and thrive in warm weather.

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One tablespoon of fresh herbs equals this amount of dried herbs.
1 tablespoon
1 teaspoon
2 tablespoons
2 teaspoons
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Dried herbs are three times stronger than fresh herbs. There are also three teaspoons in one tablespoon. Therefore, one teaspoon of dried herbs equals one tablespoon of fresh herbs.

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