Glossary of terms - I

Icing

Sweet coating for cakes.

Īle flottante

A very light dessert made from egg whites and sugar, cooked in a bain-marie, and served on a custard cream. The name means 'floating island'.

Imam bayildi

A Turkish dish of stuffed aubergines whose name neams 'the imam fainted'. According to legend, a certain imam or priest was so moved by the fragrant smell of the dish that he fainted from sheer joy. The stuffing is made with a mixture of aubergine pulp, o

Infuse

To extract the flavour from herbs, spices, tea or coffee either by pouring on boiling water and allowing the water to take on the flavours before drinking hot, or by bringing the mixture to the boil and allowing it to cool.

Infusing

Steeping herbs, tea leaves or coffee in water or other liquid to extract the flavour.

Irish coffee

A drink made from black coffee, sugar and Irish whiskey, topped with fresh cream.