Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Beurre noir

    One delectable sauce that graces our palates with its richness and versatility is none other than beurre noisette. Its composition comprises of butter that has been heated to a point where its milk solids begin to brown, granting it a nutty, toasted aroma. To this, vinegar and other flavorful seasonings are added, culminating in a…

  • Beurre manie

    Beurre manié, a traditional thickening agent in the realm of French gastronomy, serves as a formidable substitute for roux. To craft this remarkable culinary enhancer, one must amalgamate comparable amounts of butter and flour, an amalgamation that engenders a creamy, luxurious texture. Next, you must swirl this amalgamated concoction into a sauce that ferments with…

  • Beech nuts

    Beech nuts are small edible nuts that come from the fruit of the beech tree. They can be eaten raw or roasted and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They are sometimes used as a substitute for almonds and can be added to baked goods or used as a garnish. In some regions, they are…

  • Beating

    To incorporate air into a mixture or ingredient, it is necessary to agitate it vigorously by turning it over and over in an upward motion. This can be done with a spoon, fork, whisk, or electric mixer. The process is called “whipping.”  

  • Bearnaise sauce

    A type of sauce that belongs to the hollandaise family, but is made with vinegar and tarragon instead of lemon juice, and flavored with eggs and butter. This sauce is often served with broiled fish or meat dishes. There are several variations of this sauce.  

  • Bean sprouts (mung)

    Mung bean sprouts are a type of Chinese bean that is highly regarded in Chinese cuisine for their young and tender sprouts. Fresh sprouts are a good source of B vitamins and vitamin C, and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as cooking as a vegetable or adding to soups and casseroles…

  • Green beans

    The edible seeds of leguminous plants are cultivated in various regions around the world. Some varieties of these seeds are consumed as green vegetables, while others are better suited for drying and are known as pulses.  

  • Bavarois

    Eierpunsch, a warm drink that is believed to have originated in Bavaria in the late 17th century, was traditionally served at evening gatherings. To create this beverage, a mixture of eggs and sugar was combined with boiling tea and milk, and then flavored with either a liqueur or other ingredients like coffee, chocolate, orange, or…

  • Italian bavarian cream

    To adjust the taste of the dish, remove the vanilla extract and add 1 tablespoon of either brandy or curacao to the mixture.  

  • Ginger bavarian cream

    To enhance the flavor of the dish, add 1/2 cup of finely chopped preserved ginger. To properly incorporate the gelatin, first soften it by dissolving it in 2 tablespoons of the ginger syrup, and then omit the addition of water.  

Got any book recommendations?