Both of these popular desserts are spelled nearly the same except for one extra “O,” so are macarons and macaroons actually the same thing? The Short Answer No, Macarons and Macaroons are not the same thing. The Long Answer This was a fun one, folks. I always assumed that macarons and macaroons were the same […]
Is Watermelon a Squash?
Watermelon is a favorite summertime snack, but is it actually a squash? The Short Answer No, watermelon is not a squash. The Long Answer Watermelon is an interesting case in the fruit world. It’s scientifically a fruit, but it’s not quite a melon. It’s loosely considered a melon, but it is not a part of […]
Is Celeriac Celery Root?
These words are used interchangeably when discussing root veggies. So, are they different names for the same thing? The Short Answer Yes, celeriac and celery root are the exact same thing. The Long Answer Celeriac is celery root. Celery root is celeriac. They are interchangeable names given to the same awkward looking root vegetable. So, […]
Is All Sparkling Wine Champagne?
When it comes time to propose a toast you should know whether you’re having sparkling wine or Champagne. How does one tell the difference? Aren’t they the same thing? The Short Answer: No, all sparkling wine is not Champagne. The Long Answer: Ah, the age-old question that follows the pop and fizz of an uncorked […]
Is Grapeseed Oil Made From Grape Seeds?
Sure, it’s called grapeseed oil, but is it actually made from grape seeds? The Short Answer Yes, grapeseed oil is made from grape seeds. The Long Answer Ever since our article about vegetable oil, I have had a hard time trusting names. There’s not a vegetable to be found within it, so what other oils […]
Do Pine Nuts Come From Pine Trees?
Do pine nuts actually come from pine trees, or is the name utterly misleading? The Short Answer Yes, pine nuts do in fact come from pine trees! The Long Answer Pine trees produce pine cones, which in turn contain pine nuts. If you’ve never had a pine nut, it’s a super small white nut, about […]
Are Creole and Cajun the Same Thing?
If you’re a fan of Louisiana cooking, you’ve likely heard the terms Cajun and Creole used interchangeably. Is that accurate? Are they two words that mean the same thing? The Short Answer No. Cajun and Creole food are completely different from one another. The Long Answer It’s easy for those of us who don’t hang […]
Are Sherbet and Sorbet the Same Thing?
Sherbet and sorbet are two popular dessert offerings, but are they the same thing? The Short Answer No, Sherbet and Sorbet are two totally different foods. The Long Answer When I was a kid at my grandma’s house, we always had sherbet. It was my favorite dessert. There was a fruity flavor mixed with a […]
Are Mojitos and Mint Juleps the Same?
Minty alcoholic beverages should all spring from the same source, right? Are mojitos and mint juleps the same thing? The Short Answer: No, they’re completely different drinks with different base ingredients The Long Answer If you live in the south during the summer there’s a chance that at some social function you’ll be offered either […]
Is Orzo Rice?
Is Orzo Actually a Form of Rice? The Short Answer: No. Orzo is actually a form of pasta. The Long Answer: Orzo is a fairly diverse food. It can be served by itself, as a side dish, or as part of a soup, salad or casserole. One thing that it is not, is a form […]
Are Coffee and Espresso the Same?
Espresso is perfect for that extra added jolt in the morning, but is it just coffee with a fancy new name? What are the differences between the two? The Short Answer Yes, all espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso. The Long Answer We’ve all had one of those mornings where our daily […]
What’s the Difference Between Diced, Stewed, and Plum Tomatoes?
They are three of the most common ways to buy tomatoes, but are these three forms of tomato interchangeable? The Short Answer While all of these are tomatoes, they are prepared and canned differently. Diced tomatoes are chopped up, stewed tomatoes are chopped and cooked, and plum tomatoes are peeled whole tomatoes. The Long Answer Tomatoes […]
Are Rouille and Roux the Same Thing?
While both of these sauces might sound the same, are Rouille and Roux actually the same food? The Short Answer No, Rouille and Roux are not the same food. The Long Answer Rouille and Roux might be difficult to pronounce French words that begin with the letter R, but that is where the similarities end. […]
Is Sorbet Gelato?
They’re both cold and often contain fruit. They’re both desserts. So, are sorbet and gelato the same thing? The Short Answer No, sorbet and gelato are nothing alike. The Long Answer They’re both cold, they’re both scoop-able, and they’re both amazing in the blazing heat of a summer day. But that’s where the similarities between […]
Are Eggs Dairy?
Eggs are often found in the dairy section at the supermarket alongside milk, butter and cheese. But are eggs dairy? The Short Answer No, eggs are not dairy. The Long Answer Is this something that people actually think? I suppose I can see where the confusion originates. Eggs are almost always found in the dairy […]
Is Quinoa a Grain?
Quinoa is a superfood that is taking the world by storm. But there is much debate as to whether it’s a grain.