Did you ever wonder about terms or items in cooking but were afraid to ask why or how. Well here are some terms and items you might be wondering about.

Let’s talk about frog’s legs. This is the only edible part of the frog. The meat is very tender and has a slightly sweet taste. The meat is comparable to chicken. The freshest legs are sold through the spring and summer and range in size from 6 to 8 ounces by the pair.

You’ve heard it used in reference to seafood, potato, and cheese. I am talking about au gratin. Au gratin is a phrase referring to food that is topped with breadcrumbs mixed with butter or grated cheese, then broiled until brown and crisp.

Monosodium glutamate or better known as MSG is a white crystalline powder derived from glutamic acid, one of the 22 amino acids. This natural amino acid is found in seaweed, vegetables and residue from sugar beets. It was first discovered in Japan in the 1920’s. Even though it has no pronounced flavor it enhances flavor in other foods. Some people are highly allergic to it.

Which came first: Fahrenheit or Celsius? I believe it was Fahrenheit because from what I found a scientist in the 1700’s figured out that if you take any temperature subtract 32 then multiply by 5 and divide by nine you will get the Celsius temperature.
[Editor's note: Daniel Fahrenheit (1686-1736) invented the alcohol (1709) and mercury (1714) thermometers as well as the temperature scale that bears his name. In 1742, Anders Celsius (1701-1744) published a paper which was the origin of the Celsius temperature scale].

Omega – 3 oils are a particular classification of fatty acids found in the tissues of sea creatures. These special polyunsaturated oils have been found to be beneficial to coronary health and to brain growth development.

Yes, Key limes are from Florida. There are really only two types of limes, the Persian and the Key lime. Key limes are generally smaller and more yellow than green. Outside of Florida you will probably find them in specialty gourmet shops. The Persian is the other lime that you put in your margarita.

Pimientos are a sweet red pepper that you can find most commonly in the middle of an olive that has been put in the bottom of you martini.
[Editor's note: It's also the Spanish word for pepper!]

Yes, Escargot is another name for snails. The snail we eat, or should I say I love sautéed in butter with a little feta cheese and garlic served over some puffed pastry, are grown in about 10 countries around the world for your consumption.

Sweetbreads are actually thymus glands found in veal, pork and lamb. They are located near the heart and in the throat. If you want the best sweetbreads get the one near the heart and in veal. You can’t go wrong with this one.

These are just some of the many phrases that send people scratching their heads everyday. If you have any questions or want a phrase or word explained just click on Chef Mike down the bottom and let me know.

God Bless our Fine young Men and Women doing an outstanding job fighting in Iraq.