"Swiss absinthe". A cocktail consisting of 45 ml (1½ fl oz) Pernod or other anis, 2-3 drops anisette, 2-3 drops orange flower water, small teaspoon white Crème de menthe or peppermint schnapps, 1 egg white. Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
An Atlantic atherine which has found its way into the Mediterranean. A marine fish, usually deep-fried, it is a small, silvery fish similar to the argentine. When tiny it is treated in the same way as whitebait. This fish grows up to 18 cm.
While a not a much-used specification of a particular cheese, butter, fruit, wine or poultry. AC is applied when a item of food if produce meets certain criteria. It is often applied to produce passed down from generation to generation, now recognized by law, regulating the animal breed or variety of fruit, the zone of production, the techniques used, the composition of the product, its physical characteristics, and its specific attributes. It started with wine in 1935. In the year 2000 there were 36 AOC cheeses. It should be said that this designates the rules and standards governing production, ingredients and methods and controls the authenticity, rather than being an indicator of peculiar or unusual quality. AOC or Appellation d'Origine Contrôllée are more commonly used. See also Appellation.
Acanthus plant. One variety (of the many available) has edible young shoots and leaves which may be eaten in salads. This has an Arabic origin and is not generally available in Europe.
Sea bream (US: porgy, scup). A large family of fish which includes black sea bream, bogue, Couch’s sea bream (known as red porgy in North America), dentex, gilt-headed bream. They are usually sold weighing up to 1 kg (2 lb). All have a deep, narrow body, small mouth, big eyes, quite large, tough scales, a single, spiny dorsal fin and a black spot on the shoulder. They are good to eat cooked whole, stuffed and baked or braised.
