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water

water

OtherYear-round

Water is calorie-free and essential for hydration and metabolic function. It contains no macronutrients but may provide trace minerals depending on source (mineral water) or lack them entirely (distilled water).

About

Water (H₂O) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless chemical compound essential to all known forms of life, consisting of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. It exists in three primary states—solid (ice), liquid, and gaseous (steam)—and comprises approximately 60% of the adult human body. In culinary contexts, water serves as a universal solvent and medium for cooking, with properties that vary by source (mineral, spring, filtered, distilled, or tap) and composition, affecting flavor and cooking outcomes.

In professional cooking, water quality significantly impacts final dishes. Hard water (mineral-rich) and soft water (low mineral content) influence extraction rates in tea and coffee, dissolution of salt and sugar, and the texture of baked goods and pasta. Tap water, spring water, filtered water, and mineral water each impart different mineral profiles that subtly influence flavor development and chemical reactions during cooking.

Culinary Uses

Water is the fundamental medium in cooking, serving multiple functions across all culinary traditions. It is used for boiling, steaming, poaching, and braising proteins and vegetables; dissolving ingredients such as salt, sugar, and leavening agents; creating stocks, broths, and soups; and regulating temperature and texture in baking and pastry work. In beverages, water serves as the base for tea, coffee, and broths. The quality and mineral content of water directly affect cooking results—mineral water can enhance flavor in stocks, while filtered water may be preferred for delicate preparations like consommé or when precise flavor control is necessary.

Used In

Recipes Using water (2,668)

RCI-VG.004.0342.001

Couscous Bean Salad

Couscous Bean Salad

RCI-RC.006.0049.001

Couscous with Asparagus and Mandarin Oranges

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-RC.006.0051.001

Couscous with Currants and Cumin

Couscous with Currants and Cumin from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0303.001

Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas

couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas

RCI-VG.004.0343.001

Couscous with Lentils

Couscous with Lentils from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0345.001

Cowboy Beans

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0211.001

Cowboy Gumbo

This recipe came from the Hartman Estate Sale. It was obtained it as part of the purchase of the Family Collection from the Hartman Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1984.

RCI-SP.004.0114.001

Cow Foot

RCI-SP.003.0214.001

Crab Combination Soup

It can be prepared in 30 minutes and serves 4-6 people.

RCI-VG.005.0047.001

Crab-stuffed Mushrooms

Makes 24 appetizers.

RCI-SP.003.0216.001

Crab Tomato Soup

Makes 12 to 15 Servings.

RCI-DS.002.0053.001

Cracked Candy Cane Frozen Treat with Hot Fudge Sauce

Cracked Candy Cane Frozen Treat with Hot Fudge Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0068.001

Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf

Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0173.001

Cranberry-Raspberry Salad

This is a dish traditionally served at every holiday meal in my family. It's dead easy to make a couple days in advance, keeps well in the refridgerator, and is great with most main dishes.

RCI-DS.001.0175.001

Cranberry Sauce Salad

Cranberry Sauce Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0064.001

Crawfish Bisque

Crawfish Bisque A terrific soup from Texas Tapestry cookbook. Enjoy!

RCI-SF.002.0090.002

Crawfish Boil

Crawfish Boil from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0090.001

Crawfish Boil

Crawfish Boil from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0092.001

Cream Cheese Brownie Pie

Dessert Recipes by South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0224.001

Cream Cheese Cookies I

Cream Cheese Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0093.001

Cream Cheese Rhubarb Pie

Cream Cheese Rhubarb Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0067.001

Cream of Avocado Soup

Cream of Avocado Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0075.001

Cream Soup with Salmon

Cream Soup with Salmon

RCI-RC.005.0036.001

Creamy Brown Rice

Creamy Brown Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0078.001

Creamy Carrot Soup I

Serves: 6 Occasion: Any Effort: Easy

Creamy Rotini
RCI-ND.002.0037.001

Creamy Rotini

right|ROTINI CREAMY PASTA

RCI-SP.002.0081.001

Crema de auyama

Crema de auyama from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0182.001

Crema Voltiada

Crema Voltiada from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0057.001

Cremesicle ice

Cremesicle ice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0109.001

Creole Beignets

Creole Beignets A beignet is a deep-fried pastry that has been rolled in sugar. The name "beignet" comes from the French word for "fritter". Beignets are popular in New Orleans, where they are also referred to as donuts.

RCI-VG.004.0356.001

Creole Casserole

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.004.0190.001

Creole Christmas Cake

This very rich cake from the west indies is ideal for those who prefer not to ice their christmas cakes. Indeed, icing is not recommended. Just tie a brightly coloured ribbon round it and you have a real feast of cake.

RCI-SF.002.0096.001

Creole Crawfish Etouffée

Creole Crawfish Etouffée from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0095.001

Creole Jambalaya

Makes 12 servings

RCI-SF.001.0107.001

Creole Seafood

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.001.0089.001

Creole Steak

Creole Steak from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0063.001

Crescent Ground Beef Bake

From Menu and Recipes Week 5/27/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SN.002.0113.001

Crispy Alimasag

Alimasag is the filipino term for crabs. Crispy alimasag is one great filipino appetizer. It is deep fried small crabs coated in a mixture of flour and egg.

RCI-SF.001.0110.001

Crispy Glazed Catfish with Sunflower Slaw

A Catfish recipe.

Crispy Kangkong
RCI-SN.002.0117.001

Crispy Kangkong

Deep fried kangkong leaves coated with (egg, water, cornstarch, flour, salt and pepper) mixture.

Crispy Noodle Cake
RCI-ND.005.0045.001

Crispy Noodle Cake

Description

RCI-BR.005.0228.001

Crispy Oatmeal Cookies

These keep fairly well in a covered container, and freeze well according to the cookbook. Try ginger (used in some Australian anzac cookies) instead of cinnamon. Makes about 36 cookies.

RCI-VG.004.0363.001

Crock Pot Bean Soup

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come into

RCI-ND.006.0026.001

Crock Pot Beef and Macaroni Casserole

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * From Rival Crock-P

RCI-SP.004.0119.001

Crockpot Beef Stew I

My favorite beef stew Submitted by: angelgoddess3 - ECPR Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0219.001

Crockpot Black-eyed Pea Soup with Ham and Greens

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6

RCI-MT.004.0324.001

Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6

RCI-DS.004.0084.001

Crockpot Cinnamon Apples

Serve these sweet apples alone or over ice cream or pound cake From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: Southern Living 2007 Sweet Endings Prep: 16 minutes | Cook: 6 hr Makes 6 – 8 servings

RCI-SP.003.0222.001

Crockpot Country Chicken Rice Soup

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 8

RCI-MT.004.0327.001

Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken

From Menu and Recipes Week 3/04/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"