Glossary of Food and Cooking Terms - L

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Ladyfinger
A finger-shaped spongecake that is used in various dessert recipes like Tiramisu.

Lard
Rendered and clarified, white pork fat, used for cooking.

Lardons
Small, chunks or strips of bacon or pork fat, (smoked or unsmoked) used to flavour dishes.

Leavening
An agent that produces gas in dough or batter by fermentation, raising and lightening it. Yeast, baking powder and baking soda are all common forms.

Leek
Resembles a large scallion yet has a mild flavor. Used mainly in soups and stews.

Linguiça
A thin Portuguese sausage flavored with garlic.