
water
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)
Couscous Bean Salad
Couscous Bean Salad
Couscous with Asparagus and Mandarin Oranges
Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.
Couscous with Currants and Cumin
Couscous with Currants and Cumin from the Recidemia collection
Couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas
couscous with Curried Chicken and Chickpeas
Couscous with Lentils
Couscous with Lentils from the Recidemia collection
Cowboy Beans
Makes 6 servings.
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.
Cow Foot
Crab Combination Soup
It can be prepared in 30 minutes and serves 4-6 people.
Crab-stuffed Mushrooms
Makes 24 appetizers.
Crab Tomato Soup
Makes 12 to 15 Servings.
Cracked Candy Cane Frozen Treat with Hot Fudge Sauce
Cracked Candy Cane Frozen Treat with Hot Fudge Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf
Cracked Wheat Carrot Loaf from the Recidemia collection
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.
Cranberry Sauce Salad
Cranberry Sauce Salad from the Recidemia collection
Crawfish Bisque
Crawfish Bisque A terrific soup from Texas Tapestry cookbook. Enjoy!
Crawfish Boil
Crawfish Boil from the Recidemia collection
Crawfish Boil
Crawfish Boil from the Recidemia collection
Cream Cheese Brownie Pie
Dessert Recipes by South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Cream Cheese Cookies I
Cream Cheese Cookies I from the Recidemia collection
Cream Cheese Rhubarb Pie
Cream Cheese Rhubarb Pie from the Recidemia collection
Cream of Avocado Soup
Cream of Avocado Soup from the Recidemia collection
Cream Soup with Salmon
Cream Soup with Salmon
Creamy Brown Rice
Creamy Brown Rice from the Recidemia collection
Creamy Carrot Soup I
Serves: 6 Occasion: Any Effort: Easy

Creamy Rotini
right|ROTINI CREAMY PASTA
Crema de auyama
Crema de auyama from the Recidemia collection
Crema Voltiada
Crema Voltiada from the Recidemia collection
Cremesicle ice
Cremesicle ice from the Recidemia collection
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.
Creole Casserole
Makes 6 servings
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.
Creole Crawfish Etouffée
Creole Crawfish Etouffée from the Recidemia collection
Creole Jambalaya
Makes 12 servings
Creole Seafood
Makes 6 servings
Creole Steak
Creole Steak from the Recidemia collection
Crescent Ground Beef Bake
From Menu and Recipes Week 5/27/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
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.
Crispy Glazed Catfish with Sunflower Slaw
A Catfish recipe.

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

Crispy Noodle Cake
Description
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.
Crock Pot Bean Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Come into
Crock Pot Beef and Macaroni Casserole
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * From Rival Crock-P
Crockpot Beef Stew I
My favorite beef stew Submitted by: angelgoddess3 - ECPR Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Crockpot Black-eyed Pea Soup with Ham and Greens
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6
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
Crockpot Country Chicken Rice Soup
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 8
Crockpot Creamy Italian Chicken
From Menu and Recipes Week 3/04/07 From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"