Even A Chef Would Have Trouble With This Cooking Quiz. Who Wants To Try?
- by Erica Blair
- – on
- in Lifestyle
Calling all culinary masters! This quiz is only for people who really know their way around a kitchen and are not afraid of the heat. We all like to think that we know what we are doing when it comes to preparing a stellar meal that is one-of-a-kind and delicious, but who here can actually pass one of the hardest culinary quizzes that anyone will take to date?
Even top chefs will have problems with some of these questions, so this quiz really is not for the faint of heart! We are not afraid to ask some super technical questions and have everyone identify some of the most exotic fruits, vegetables, and ingredients that you'll find in any kitchen around the world! Novice cooks and people who just like to dabble in the culinary arts will find this one to be really difficult- but we invite everyone to give us your best shot and try to tackle some seriously tough kitchen and food-related questions. Who is up for the challenge? It's time to separate the casual cooks from the actual kitchen all-stars who really should have their own celebrity cooking shows. Who is ready to prove their stuff? Let's get started.
True or false: Rare chicken is a special delicacy.
Check out the delicious roast chicken in the picture that accompanies this question. Doesn't it look so tasty, crowned with just a little rosemary and cooked to beautiful perfection? Well, we all know that roast chicken is a delightful meal, especially on a really cold night or for a special occasion, but who knows if rare chicken is a similar delicacy? After all, we do eat rare beef and most of us love to snack on some sushi. Is there any difference when it comes to chicken? Let us know if rare chicken is a special treat or a recipe for illness!
What is this popular gooey chocolate cake?
If your mouth is not watering just looking at this picture, we don't know what to tell you. This cake has been popular for a long time, appearing at restaurants all over the world and delighting anyone who has had the opportunity to cut into it and experience the gooey and amazing center. The outside is fully cooked but the inside is full of decadent chocolate that looks so incredible that we wish we could reach into our computers an just grab the slice! This decadent dish has a special name. Who knows what that name is? Tell us below.
True or false: It’s okay to just eyeball key ingredients when we’re baking.
We all know that the culinary arts are called that for a reason. Some of the best chefs take a few liberties in the kitchen and usually the results are totally delicious! There are very few times when a chef adding a pinch or two of a spice to a soup or stew doesn't have a happy foodie ending but is the same true for baking? Sure, we are told that we have to follow a recipe from start to finish when we're baking up some delights, but is that just a suggestion or really something that is true to life?
What type of nuts are pictured here?
Nuts are one of those nearly perfect foods. Why? Because they are packed with protein, totally delicious and completely good for us. Many types of nuts have certain qualities that can help our skin look dewy and gorgeous too. Nuts are truly a superfood and we wish that we could eat them for every single meal! The nuts pictured here are popular as a snack, part of breakfast, or even sprinkled on a yummy stir-fry for a decadent crunch that will elevate the dish from blah to totally spectacular. Hungry yet? What kind of nuts are we talking about here?
What is the name of this popular creamy rice dish?
Chances are, anyone who has been to a fancy restaurant has seen this dish on the menu. It is made with rice- but it is not your ordinary bowl of rice. This dish is extraordinary, with a big emphasis on the creaminess of the rice and the richness of the toppings. It is usually thickened up with some decadent cheese, like parmesan or gouda, for a rich bite that will make anyone a rice fan for life! The toppings vary, but they usually are some kind of vegetables or even meats. It is creamy, cheesy, meaty heaven and we can't get enough!
How is the crispy top of a crème brulee created?
Okay, let's be real here. The very best part of eating a creme brulee is cracking the sugar topping with our spoons. Not only is it satisfying to break through the sugary crust and reveal the sweet, creamy inside of this classic dessert- it is also fun! There are some people who love to eat the sugar crust first and then dig into the creamy inside. Others prefer to get a bite of the sugar crust alongside the filling for a dessert that has a ton of contrast and is too tasty for words. No matter what- the crust is made using this tool...
What is the name of this kitchen tool?
Speaking of tools, let's move on to one of the most important tools in the kitchen. This device is used for a number of different things, but the most common one is to strain cooked pasta. The little holes let the water escape but keep the pasta where it is, so nobody will lose even the smallest bit of penne or a strand of spaghetti. It is also useful for washing salad greens and some people even use the holes to make tiny dumplings, like spaetzle, before putting them in boiling water to cook. Talk about versatile! What is it?
What is being done to the vegetables in this picture?
Check out the accompanying picture. Home chefs will recognize the technique that is being done to those bright and beautiful veggies. What's happening in this picture is something that needs to be done before we can do anything else to the prepared vegetables. Most recipes call for vegetables to be prepared this way before using them in a recipe. Who knows what's happening in this particular picture? It is time to show who belongs in the kitchen and who needs to sit this one out. Choose the correct answer from the four options below and prove that you're a natural!
What are the fruits pictured here?
These fall and winter fruits might not get the credit of some others, but they really should. They are useful in all sorts of dishes. Some people like to stew them with a little bit of vanilla and a cinnamon stick. Others will glaze them lightly with butter and poach them for a treat that falls apart on the fork and is brilliant with ice cream. They can also be used in jams, preserves, and even pies! They go well with just about every type of sweet food or are a healthy snack all on their own. What are they?
What is the culinary process for creating these delicious dills?
We have all had a dill pickle in our lives. They are crunchy, tangy and have just the right amount of bite to be the perfect snack. Even better- they are pretty healthy for us too! Pickles come from cucumbers, which are refreshing in and of themselves- so it is no surprise that this favorite condiment is a superstar when it comes to the culinary world. These days, homemade and artisanal pickles are all the rage and people are going outside of the cucumber box and creating all sorts of dilly masterpieces. What do we call the process of creating these treats?
What is the name of the egg dish pictured here?
Most diners serve a variation of this dish, as well as high-end brunch spots that love to show off some serious culinary skills. Just about anyone can make it at home too! It's pretty easy and just involves a couple eggs, milk or water, cheese, and some additional delicious fillings. The result is an eggy envelope that is full of goodness and served piping hot. Usually, it comes with a side of hash browns or some delicious bacon but we think it's just perfect all on its own. Who knows what this egg-based breakfast fave is? Choose the right answer below.
What kind of cheese is commonly put on pizza?
Okay, now we get to the part of the quiz that deals with cheese. Everyone is super excited, right? This question deals with cheese AND pizza, so if you were not hungry when you started this quiz- things have changed! Pizza is one of the best foods on the planet. It is hard to argue with the perfect medley of carbs, tangy sauce, and delicious cheese. There are plenty of things that we can put on our pizza, but there is a general standard when it comes to cheese. Which cheese, out of the four listed below, is standard for pizza?
What does "sous-vide" mean?
Foodies all over the world will have heard the term "sous-vide" from time to time. This method of cooking has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years and is considered to be one of the best way to get meat nice and juicy while still being able to accomplish a nice sear on the outside. It is a popular way to cook tougher cuts of meat and is one that will certainly satisfy even the most finicky of eaters. But what does "sous vide" actually mean? True culinary experts will be able to choose the right answer.
Generally speaking what is true about chilis?
Okay, so this "truth" is not something that is hard and fast all of the time, but generally speaking it does ring pretty true. Chilis are one of the best foods in the world. They are literally (ha ha) the spice of the culinary world! Most people either really love chilis or do not like them at all. That's okay- there is no incorrect answer here in terms of taste. All we are interested in knowing is which option, of the four listed below, is a general truth about chilis. Choose the right one and we'll let everyone know if they're a culinary star!
What does "mince" mean?
"Mince" is one of those words that is thrown around kitchens all the time. We hear it- but do we actually know what it means? To mince means to prepare food in a specific way so that we get the desired result. We will just not tell you what the preparation method is exactly. It is up to aspiring chefs and culinary superstars to deduce the true meaning of this very common kitchen term. We've given everyone a few options below, so simply choose what the best one is and prove some serious kitchen culinary smarts. Pick one now.
What is the vegetable pictured here?
The vegetable pictured here has the notoriety of appearing in some of the top restaurants all over the world. It has a fresh, clean flavor that reminds us of spring and makes us come back for more! It is generally served alongside some delicious steak or on top of a delicate risotto. It can also stand alone in a salad or even just by itself with a pat of butter and a squeeze of lemon. Even more compelling- it is totally healthy and a veggie that we can eat without guilt. Who knows what the name of this vegetable is?
What kind of fruits are oranges classified as?
We all know that oranges are super healthy for us. They are packed with Vitamin C and have lots of nutritional benefits that we need to function at our best. Oranges also taste really good, go into smoothies very well and are delicious when they're juiced. Did we mention that they can go with savory or sweet dishes too? A little orange on a chicken dish will take it to the next level, and there are plenty of orange flavored desserts that are a nice break from chocolate! Who knows what kind of fruit the orange is classified specifically as?
What kind of fruits are pictured here?
Check out the accompanying picture. If that does not make everyone's mouth water, we do not know what will! Those tart little red gems are a specific type of berry that most of us love to eat. They are great on their own or swirled in a little bit of dark or light chocolate for a decadent treat that is simple to eat. They can also be paired with fluffy pastry or cake for a dessert that works well with whipped cream and a little sugary sauce. Some people even make pies out of them! What are these berries called?
How do we create caramelized onions?
Onions have got to be one of the most versatile foods in the entire world. They can really take a stew or soup to the next level, add flavor to a stirfry or be deep fried until golden for delicious onion rings. Who is hungry now? Caramelized onions are a whole different ballgame though. They do not have the bite or a traditional onion and some people consider them to be downright sweet! These onions pair perfectly with a burger or are even delicious when swirled into some creamy hummus or another type of party dip. Who knows how to make them?
What is the ideal “doneness” for pasta?
This is a technical question that just about every home chef should know! Pasta is one of those foods that we love to eat. It is endlessly versatile and can go with just about any kind of meat or veggie. Toss it with a little butter and parmesan cheese for a dish that is as simple as it is hearty. Pair it with a meaty and decadent bolognese sauce for something truly extraordinary. Give it a nutritional boost with a heaping handful of veggies for a savory and tasty meal. But, how do we prepare our pasta perfectly? Choose below.
What is this cooking utensil?
Technically speaking, most chefs and home cooks will use this utensil on almost a daily basis in the kitchen. It is used primarily for stirring and flipping food in the pan. The slots in this particular instrument are great for removing extra grease from food and making sure that the sauce does not come up when we are trying to flip some pan-seared steak or move around carrots in the pan. Even though we use it all of the time, many people do not know what the proper name for it is. Who here has a good idea of the name?
What does "saute" mean?
Let's get back to some cooking techniques. This one involves cooking food in a certain way so that it is perfectly done but not sticking to the pan. It is a technique that any aspiring chef must learn how to do, and one that is absolutely critical to the success of a meal. There is no doubt that everyone has heard this term before- it is very frequently used around kitchens- but many people do not know how to define it. Who here does? Tell us what "saute" means and prove who has the best kitchen skills and culinary competence.
What is the process of cooking food in the vapor from boiling water?
Let's move on to another cooking term, shall we? This term refers to the process of cooking food in the vapor from boiling water. The food does not actually enter the water but perches on top of it in a different pan. The vapor fully cooks the food. This technique is generally used for vegetables, but people also use it to cook dumplings or other types of pastries. It would not be advisable to try to cook meat in this fashion, although broccoli- like pictured here- is something that is super tasty when prepared in this particular way. What is it?
What do we call a dessert topped with ice cream?
It is time for the dessert course! This lovely piece of apple pie has a little something extra that takes it to the next deliciousness level. That's right- it is topped with a generous scoop of ice cream for a culinary treat that is hard to pass up. It is not just apple pie that we can top with ice cream. Brownies and other types of cakes also get the ice cream treatment. There is a specific term for desserts that are created this way. Who knows what it is? Choose the correct answer from the four that we have listed.
What cooking method gives us a crispy exterior on steak?
Fancy restaurants have the concept of steak down pat. They know that in order for a steak to be absolutely perfect and delicious, it needs to be cooked on the inside (the amount is up to each individual person's taste) and a little crunchy on the outside. This bit of crunch gives each bite of steak the perfect texture. This is especially true if the steak is rare- because the texture of the outside pairs perfectly with the creamy middle of a rare steak filet, giving it the perfect flavor balance. What do we call the technique that gives steak this exterior?
What is the name of the pasta pictured here?
There are several different types of pasta. Perhaps that's why pasta is so popular. We don't have to have thin noodles all of the time- we can expand our palate to other types of this delicious carb, like manicotti, bow-tie or the type that we have pictured here. This type of pasta is known for its tube-like shape and angled ends. It is great for picking up bits of pasta sauce and pairs well with both hearty and light toppings. It also sometimes makes a debut in soups, where it picks up the broth and adds a hearty and warm element.
What common ingredient in coffee gives us an energy boost?
There are many people all over the world for whom the morning does not start until they have had their first cup of coffee. Coffee is the fuel that jumpstarts many of our days and makes us excited to begin the work that we have to do. Whether we drink it black or spike it with some cream and sugar, coffee is a staple of many people's diets. It is so common that people drink it outside of breakfast on a regular basis. What ingredient (from the four listed below) gives coffee its signature kick? Give us a guess below.
What does ala carte mean?
This one does not really pertain to home chefs, but anyone who has ever eaten out at a fancy restaurant is familiar with the term "ala carte". It is common to see this term on restaurant menus and there is something specific that it indicates. Who knows what that is? Show off some serious restaurant skills and let us know if "ala carte" means that the food comes on a cart, the menu has been designed by a chef, dinner is served with complimentary ice cream (yum!!) or that everything on the menu is individually priced. Who knows the answer?
What is an unfortunate side-effect of cutting onions?
We talked about onions earlier in the quiz and since we are now winding down, it is time to talk about them again. Onions are one of the best things that you can add to a dish to give it just a little extra flavor. Many recipes specifically call for onions as something that they need for complexity and to complete the overall feel of the final dish. Onions are one of the most important things that anyone can have in the kitchen- unfortunately, they are also something that has a serious side effect that some can find very unpleasant.
Which food is pictured here?
We just talked about onions, now let's move on to this food. This is one of the most important ingredients in any kitchen. It is not usually eaten raw, unless it is pureed into a dip like hummus, and the taste can be a little sharp and off-putting for some. When sliced thin it can make any pasta sauce sing and it works well with just about any kind of stirfry. There are specific recipes that make this humble food the center by roasting it and spreading it on bread. As an added bonus- it is super good for you!
What popular sweetener pictured here is a gift from the bees?
This sweetener is not only tasty, it also was used by many ancient cultures for medicinal purposes! It is perfect when paired with yogurt, fruit and some granola and a great addition to a hot cup of tea. People also like to drizzle it into a smoothie for a sweet taste that makes all of the other fruit taste that much better. It is even used as a topping for pancakes or an ingredient in some of the best barbeque sauce that anyone has ever tasted. Who knows the name of this sweet gift from the bees? Choose one below.
What kind of food are tomatoes classified as?
This is a bit of a tricky one so we will give everyone a hint. They fall into the same family as avocados! Tomatoes are endlessly versatile and can be eaten in so many ways (all of them amazingly tasty) we can eat tiny tomatoes one by one, put them into salads or even blend them into a savory and delicious tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Tomatoes can be roasted, candied or dried to intensify their flavor. We know what we can do with all of the delicious tomatoes of the world- but what are they classified as?
What is the popular breakfast drink pictured here?
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Whether or not that is true is up to personal preferences and interpretation, but one thing is certain- a nutritious breakfast can set us on a path to optimal health and making the very most out of the day! These breakfast beverages tend to take things to the next level by combining a number of different fruits and other ingredients together for a sweet treat that packs a huge nutritional benefit. The question is, who knows what these drinks are actually called? Choose the correct answer from the four below.
What do we have to do with bread dough to make it smooth and elastic?
Freshly baked bread is one of the biggest pleasures of life. There is something about biting into a yeasty, delicious slice of homemade bread that is still hot from the oven that makes us feel so much better! It is actually easier than most people think to create amazing homemade bread. Great cooks know that the secret to a perfect meal is having some crispy and delicious bread to go alongside the main course. One of the tricks to bread is making sure that the consistency is perfect and doing this requires a special technique. What is this specific technique?
What is the popular condiment pictured here?
Finally, let's end on a bit of a spicy note. This condiment is something that most people love. The level of spice can also be adjusted to preference, so we can eat it in a mild form, medium form or hot form. There are no rules when it comes to this tasty condiment. It's comprised of tomatoes, chilis, and onion, sprinkled with a little lime and some cilantro for a fresh, citrusy taste. Enjoy it with tortilla chips, heaped on top of nachos or stirred into eggs. Who knows what the name of this popular condiment is? Choose one below.