Definition
to put meat, fish, or vegetables in a marinade
Origin and usage
The word marinate is directly derived from the French word ‘mariner’ meaning ‘to pickle in brine’. That French word comes from the Latin ‘marinus’ meaning ‘of the sea’. Marinate was first recorded in English sometime in the 1640s.
Examples
Marinate refers to a process of preparing food before it is cooked by putting it in a mixture of flavourings called a marinade. Marinades are most commonly used to marinate fish, meat or vegetables.
When food is marinated, its flavour is intensified and the meat or fish becomes more tender.
There are many ways to marinate different foods, but a few basic kitchen tools can come in handy when preparing to marinate. These include:
• A small hand juicer
• Tongs
• Shallow glass, ceramic or plastic dishes, storage containers or resealable plastic bags
• A pastry brush
It is not necessary to follow a strict recipe when marinating food, but a marinade needs an oil, an acid and seasonings. Olive oil, sesame oil and peanut oil are all good choices when preparing to marinate. Acids good for marinating include vinegar, citrus juices, buttermilk and even yoghurt. Seasonings used to marinatecan vary greatly, but some common ones are fresh herbs, spices, citrus peel, honey, salt and pepper.
The longer a food is allowed to marinate, the more flavour it will absorb. Food should always be marinated in the refrigerator for safety.
Quotations
“I love grilling. Grilling is an incredible way to keep healthy. And you can marinate both with a dry rub and also wet marinades. You can marinate juniper berry or a little bit of olive oil and some citrus and fresh herbs – all that sort of stuff.”
(Curtis Stone)
luncheon
Definition
lunch, especially a formal lunch for a lot of people
Origin and usage
The specific origin of the word luncheon is unknown, but it likely comes from the 14th century Middle English word ‘nonechenche’ meaning ‘light midday meal’. Luncheon was first recorded in English around 1570, though it didn’t reach the form of its modern spelling until 1706.
Examples
Luncheon is a word that refers to a formal event held at midday for a large group of people where a meal is served.
According to tradition, a luncheon is any formal meal served between noon and 2pm. The meal served at a luncheon is typically rather simple and includes sandwiches, salads, soups, fresh fruit and cut vegetables and sweets or baked goods. Tea, coffee, water, lemonade, iced tea or other light drinks are commonly served at a luncheon.
Sometimes, a luncheon can be more casual, with a self-serve buffet or hearty appetizers instead of a sit-down meal. Guests serve themselves, choosing only the foods they like to eat from an array of offerings.
Many charity organizations and civic groups hold luncheon events to raise funds or to honour important people. At these events people usually give speeches, and awards are sometimes handed out to guests as they sit at tables, eating their meal.
A luncheon can also be a smaller, more intimate event between friends or family. Baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, funerals and other important occasions can be marked with a luncheon reception.
Quotations
“It is better for me to serve a charity as an actor or a voice, rather than at a luncheon being just a celebrity.”
(Ben Kingsley)
“The harmony of the luncheon is achieved by a combination of the two main courses which are the focus of the menu.”
(Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec)