Achiote paste, pronounced ah-chee-OH-tay, is a vibrant, brick-red color seasoning made from the seeds of the annatto tree. It combines annatto seeds with spices like cumin, pepper, coriander, oregano, and a splash of vinegar or lime juice to form a paste.

This condiment is essential in Mexican and Central American cooking for its ability to give a deep color and earthy flavor to recipes.

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Active dry yeast is the go-to choice for most recipes that require yeast, thanks to its convenience and reliability.

Unlike fresh yeast, which was commonly used by our grandparents, active dry yeast requires no refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature for extended periods.

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All-purpose flour, pronounced 'awl-PUR-puhs flour' is a staple in baking and cooking. It's a flexible ingredient made from wheat that has been milled to remove the bran and germ, leaving behind the endosperm that's ground into flour.

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Allspice is a unique spice that gets its name because it mimics the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Originating from the unripe berries of the Pimenta dioica tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America, allspice is a key ingredient in these cuisines.

It is commonly used in a variety of dishes, from desserts and beverages to savory meat dishes.

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Almonds - pronounced 'ALL-munds' are the edible seeds from the fruit of the almond tree. Despite being commonly referred to as nuts, almonds are actually seeds inside the hard shell of the almond fruit, which is similar to a peach in structure.

Originally from the Middle East, almonds are now mainly grown in the United States, specifically California, which produces the majority of the world's almonds. These seeds are eaten raw, roasted, or used as a base for various products like almond milk, almond butter, and almond oil.

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Ammonia - pronounced 'uh-mohn-yuh, is a common and effective household cleaner, often found in solutions specially formulated for cleaning various surfaces.

This chemical is particularly good at tackling tough grease and dirt on glass and hard surfaces, making it a popular choice for cleaning windows, mirrors, and kitchen counters and homemade cleaning solutions.

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Anise hyssop is a delightful edible flower with lilac-colored blossoms. It has a strong anise-licorice taste, reminiscent of root beer. Sweet and tasty, it's perfect for salads, pastries, butter cookies, and garnishes.

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Annatto seeds, from the Annatto Tree, are a vivid orange-yellow color often used to naturally dye food. They have a peppery aroma and nutty-sweet flavor. They're ground into powder for coloring butter and more. But beware, they leave behind a red-orange stain when handled.

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Apple - pronounced 'AP-uhl is a fruit from the apple tree, part of the rose family. It's known for its round shape and varying sizes and colors, from green and yellow to deep red.

Apples are crisp and can range from sweet to tart in flavor. Widely eaten fresh, they are also used in beverages, cooking and baking.

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Arrowroot - pronounced 'AR-oh-root' is a starch harvested from the rhizomes (rootstock) of several tropical plants. Traditionally, it comes from the Maranta arundinacea plant, but it can also refer to similar starches obtained from other tropical plants. It's a fine, white powder that is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.

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