Cooking & Recipes Glossary: V

vanilla bean: The fermented seed of a Mexican or Tahitian yellow orchid; vanilla beans come in long, thin, dried, brown pods.

vanilla extract: A liquid extracted from the vanilla bean; used as a flavoring.

vegan: A vegetarian who avoids eating or using all animal products.

vegetable peeler: A kitchen utensil designed to peel away the outer skin of vegetables with an angled blade.

vegetarian: A person who eats no meat, fish, or poultry.

velouté: A variation on béchamel sauce made with a stock (fish or chicken) in place of the milk.

vichyssoise: A smooth, thick French soup made with potatoes, leeks, and cream; usually served cold.

vinaigrette: A sauce made up of oil, vinegar, and seasonings.

vinegar: A sour liquid with a pungent odor, made by fermenting alcoholic liquids (such as cider, wine, and malt).