Reading a recipe might require you to learn a few new terms to make sure that the end result is as delicious as possible. So even if you’re a seasoned chef, brushing up on the definitions of key cooking terms is always helpful. Here are four must-know cooking terms:

1. Beat. An easily recognized and commonly used term, to beat means to mix an ingredient in itself so quickly that air is incorporated, making a smooth mixture.
2. Au jus. This is a common word on restaurant menus, but most people don’t consider what it actually means. It’s a way of referring to the natural juices of the food.
3. Truss. If you read a recipe and it asks you to truss the food while cooking or grilling, that means to bind it together with skewers so it holds its shape during the process.
4. Julienne. To julienne means to cut food into thin strips. The term often refers to preparing vegetables.

The Basic Kitchen: Glossary of Cooking Terms [Le Petites Gourmettes]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Better Homes and Gardens]
Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Cookery]
Culinary Terms: Food Dictionary and Glossary of Cooking Terms [Culinary Arts About.com]

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Katherine Fleischer Park is a favorite among Austin's Wells Branch residents. This community green space is home to a soccer and baseball fields, as well as tennis and basketball courts. You'll even find a sand volleyball pit. The playground area provides plenty of shade from the hot afternoon sun, and in addition to all the typical equipment, it features a unique two-story, castle-like playhouse for kids, complete with a spiral staircase.(Regular visitors report that on occasion you'll see kids dressed up in prince and princess costumes in the playhouse.)

Katherine Fleischer Park also offers a set of wide and well maintained running trials, as well as a community center and a gazebo that can be reserved for private picnics and barbecues. History enthusiasts should be sure not to miss the historic Gault Homestead that's also located in the park. Guided tours focus on 19th century pioneer life and can be customized for both children and adults.

Katherine Fleischer Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 251-9814
www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks/katherine-fleischer-park.html
www.yelp.com/biz/katherine-fleischer-park-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/elias_daniel

Just about every store in the Austin area is a bit quirkier than most, and Toy Time is one of those truly unique establishments. This independent toy store carries a wide selection of toys that you won’t find at most big box toy stores, and it even offers pop culture memorabilia that adults will love, as well.

The colorful, jam-packed shop is small, but it’s filled to the brim with children’s dolls and toys. The candy selection includes hard-to-find items like chocolate rocks, and the walls are lined with electronic games, costumes, model kits, and much more. Toy Time also includes a party room where guests can book fun-filled birthday parties. This room is set up like a treehouse, and the affordable package includes your choice of entertainers ranging from magicians to princesses and even full-scale petting zoos.

Toy Time is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and the store is closed on Sundays.

Toy Time
101-B Pecan Street West
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 990-8697
www.toy-time.com
www.yelp.com/biz/toy-time-pflugerville

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/stevendepolo