Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A puff pastry shell with a separate baked lid, which is served filled with a hot creamed mixture. A delicate and airy casing crafted from exquisite puff pastry envelops a medley of finely diced meat, poultry, game, or fish bathed in a luxuriously seasoned sauce. Known as a vol-au-vent, this culinary creation can be savored…

A small and light almond cake baked in a muffin pan, often spread with apricot jam and topped with Kirsch-flavored icing. The cake is named after the nuns of the Visitation order who are believed to be its originators.  

Extra-virgin olive oil is an oil that is extracted from the first pressing of ripe olives or skimmed from the top of the vat. It has a superior flavor and appearance compared to oil from later pressings.  

A Virginia ham is a type of ham that is considered to be of the highest quality. It is made by curing a ham for over a year, and then smoking and aging it, sometimes for several years. The ham should come from a half-wild hog known as a razorback, which has been partially fed…

A vinegar pie is a type of pie that can have one or two crusts, with a filling made of butter, sugar, flour, egg, vinegar, water, and spices, which is cooked in the top of a double boiler until it becomes thick. Sometimes the crust is partially baked before the filling is added.  

This is a type of mayonnaise that is known for its rich and flavorful taste, as well as its use of hard-boiled egg yolks and herbs. To make the dressing, hard-boiled egg yolks are first mashed and mixed with mayonnaise, giving it a creamy and indulgent texture. Worcestershire sauce is then added to the mixture,…

This is a type of French salad dressing that is known for its tangy flavor and herbaceous notes. It is typically made with a combination of oil and vinegar, along with a variety of seasonings and herbs. Chopped onions and green herbs are often added to the dressing, giving it a fresh and vibrant taste.…

This is a type of sauce that is made by thickening a veloute sauce with truffles and ham to create a rich and flavorful base. The veloute sauce is made by combining a pale roux with a white stock, and then cooking it until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. The truffles and ham are…

This is a type of coffee that is served with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top. The coffee itself is typically prepared to be strong and flavorful, often using espresso as the base. The whipped cream is usually made by combining heavy cream and sugar and then whipping until it is light and…

This is a type of sausage that is characterized by its small size, pink color, and mild seasoning. It is typically made with finely ground meat, such as pork or beef, and is shaped into a cylindrical form that is relatively small in diameter. The sausage is often encased in a soft, pliable casing that…