Ingredient list

Ice is frozen water that plays an essential role in both cooking and bartending. It is primarily used to chill drinks, prepare cocktails, and keep food fresh during transport or serving. In the kitchen, it is also useful when working with dough, cold water or ice can prevent butter from overheating when mixing shortcrust pastry. Crushed ice is the foundation of many summer drinks and slushies. Ice is also used during vegetable blanching, by immediately submerging vegetables in ice water, the cooking process stops and they retain their color and crunchiness. It is a simple ingredient with a wide range of uses.

Ice cream is a frozen dairy dessert made from milk, cream, sugar, and various flavourings. The basic production involves churning the mixture as it freezes, which creates a smooth, airy texture free of large ice crystals. It comes in dozens of flavours ranging from vanilla and chocolate to fruity sorbets. In the kitchen it is served as a dessert on its own or combined with fruit, cakes, and warm puddings. It also works well in sundaes, milkshakes, and as a filling for pastries. Italian gelato differs from classic ice cream in its lower air and fat content, making it denser with a more intense flavour.

Iceberg lettuce is one of the most widely used leafy vegetables in the world. It is characterized by a firm, compact head with crispy leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Its high water content gives it a refreshing quality. In the kitchen, it is mainly used raw, as the base or addition to salads, in burgers, wraps, or as an edible bowl for other ingredients. Cooking is not recommended, as the leaves wilt quickly under heat. It pairs well with mayonnaise- or yogurt-based dressings. Low in calories and available year-round, it is a popular choice for everyday meals.

Instant cheese sauce is a ready-made or semi-prepared mix that allows quick preparation of a cheese sauce without making a béchamel from scratch. It is available in powder, paste or liquid concentrate form. Preparation is straightforward, typically, you simply mix the contents of the packet with water or milk and heat through. The flavour mimics sauces made from cheeses such as cheddar or gouda. It is used as a pasta topping, a base for au gratin potatoes, a sauce for broccoli or as a dip for tortilla chips. It is particularly popular in fast food cooking and among students. Quality and ingredients vary by brand, premium versions may contain real cheese.

Instant coffee is a soluble form of coffee produced by drying a strong coffee extract, either through spray drying or freeze drying. The result is granules or powder that dissolve immediately in hot water. In the kitchen, it is used not only as a beverage but also as an aromatic ingredient, it adds wonderful depth to chocolate cakes, tiramisu, ice cream, creams, and meat marinades. It imparts a rich, caramel-bitter flavor to dishes. Its advantages include easy measuring and a long shelf life. Quality varies between brands, with freeze-dried versions generally preserving aroma better.

Instant fruit drink is a powdered mix designed for preparing flavoured non-alcoholic beverages that dissolve easily in cold or warm water. It typically contains sugar, citric acid, natural or artificial fruit flavourings, colourings and vitamins, particularly vitamin C. Preparation is very simple: just measure out the powder, add water and stir. Available in a wide range of fruit flavours such as orange, raspberry, lemon and strawberry. In the kitchen, it can also be used as part of marinades, fruit jellies or as a flavouring for desserts. It is also a popular choice for making iced drinks and refreshing beverages for children.

Instant noodles are pre-cooked and dried noodles that are ready in just 2-3 minutes when soaked in boiling water or briefly boiled. They originated in Japan, where Momofuku Ando invented them in 1958, and today they are among the most widely consumed foods in the world. They are most commonly made from wheat flour, salt and alkaline water, and are typically accompanied by a seasoning sachet or sauce. In their basic form they serve as a quick and affordable meal, but they can easily be elevated with the addition of eggs, vegetables, meat or tofu.

Instant potato dumpling powder is a convenient semi-finished product that allows you to prepare traditional potato dumplings quickly, without boiling and grating fresh potatoes. The dry mix typically contains dehydrated potatoes, starch and other ingredients. Simply combine with water (and optionally an egg), shape the dumplings and cook them in salted boiling water. The resulting taste and texture are close to homemade dumplings, though a seasoned cook may notice subtle differences. They are an ideal choice when time is short, pairing perfectly with roast meats, cream sauces, beef goulash or pork with gravy.

Instant roux is a pre-cooked mixture of flour and fat that serves as a quick thickening agent for sauces, soups and stews. Unlike a traditional roux, which is prepared directly in the pan from raw flour and fat, this ready-made version simply needs to be stirred into warm liquid. The result is a smooth, lump-free sauce without any risk of burning. It is used in the preparation of cream sauces, mushroom gravies, vegetable soups and other dishes that require thickening. It is particularly popular among beginner cooks and in situations where time is limited. The amount used depends on the desired consistency of the dish.

Italian dressing is a popular condiment originating from Italian-American cuisine, made from vegetable oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. The typical blend includes oregano, basil, garlic, onion, and paprika, giving the dressing a bold, slightly tangy flavour. It is used primarily as a dressing for green and pasta salads, but also works excellently as a marinade for meat, vegetables, or cheese. It is available ready-made in bottles, or can easily be prepared at home. With a lower fat content compared to mayonnaise-based dressings, it is considered a lighter option for flavouring salads. It is also a popular component of antipasti and cold appetisers.

Italian pasta is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine with a long-standing tradition. It is made primarily from durum wheat semolina and water, which allows it to maintain a firm al dente texture after cooking. It comes in dozens of shapes, from spaghetti and penne to farfalle and rigatoni, with each shape suited to a different type of sauce. Long varieties pair beautifully with creamy or oil-based sauces, while short tubes are ideal for catching thick ragù. Pasta is a rich source of carbohydrates and, thanks to its low glycemic index, provides long-lasting energy. It is incredibly versatile in the kitchen, suitable for soups, salads, and baked dishes alike.