I can remember many of the tricks I learned in grade school to help me remember the correct way to write a word (i before e except after c, for example). But I can’t recall a single one involving culinary term guidelines — now a big part of my job.
Indeed, when it comes to the right way to write about food, there is lengthy list of rules by which I must abide. For instance, according to the Associated Press Stylebook (aka the journalist’s Bible), “pimento” refers to a tree and berry; whereas “pimiento” refers to the sweet, mild pepper used in popular cheese spreads. The word “French” is capitalized when referring to the nation, as in “French toast,” but not when referring to the style of cutting potatoes, as in “french fries.”
“Marshmallow Fluff” is always capitalized, as it is the name of a trademarked brand. According to AP style, the correct generic term is “marshmallow spread.”
Then, this week, I learned three new facts so obscure that not only were they not taught in school, they also are not in my stylebook. First, I learned the word “panini” is actually the plural form of the Italian word “panino,” meaning sandwich. Likewise, the word “spaghetti” is the plural of “spaghetto,” which refers to a single noodle.
And finally, did you know that “axes” is the only word in the English language that serves as the plural form of three different words — axe, ax and axis?
That last one may not be food related, but knowledge is delicious, nonetheless.