Culinary Glossary

Changemaker

(CHAYNJ-may-ker)

A changemaker is individually wrapped counter candy priced from a nickel to fifty cents, sold loose from tubs, jars, or trays at the register — named because customers buy it with the change from their purchase. The 280-count Tootsie Roll tub is the archetype of the format. In the wholesale trade, changemakers are ordered as bulk counts (typically 100-400 wrapped pieces per tub) rather than as cased singles, and they earn their counter space twice over: candy already runs among the highest margins in c-store center store (~48-50%), and roughly 63% of candy purchases are impulse buys — the changemaker tub at the register is the purest expression of that math. Classic changemaker lines include Tootsie Rolls and Tootsie Pops, Dubble Bubble, Smarties, Atomic Fireballs, and penny-candy assortments.

Decorative Plate

(deh-KOR-uh-tiv plate)

A decorative plate is a plate used primarily for display rather than for serving food. These plates can enhance the aesthetic of a dining setting and are often used in restaurants and homes to showcase culinary artistry.

Dining Chair

(DYE-ning chair)

A dining chair is a type of seating designed specifically for use at a dining table. These chairs often feature a comfortable design and may include armrests or cushions, making them suitable for extended meals and gatherings.

Scented Candle

(SEN-tid KAN-dl)

A scented candle is a candle infused with fragrance oils that release pleasant aromas when burned. In the culinary context, scented candles can create an inviting atmosphere in dining establishments, enhancing the overall dining experience.

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) measures the total milligrams of minerals dissolved per liter of water — the mass a water carries from its source rock. It is the primary way premium and fine waters are classified. The Fine Water Society scale runs Super Low (<50 mg/L) → Low (50–250) → Medium (250–800) → High (800–1500) → Very High (>1500). The US FDA requires ≥250 mg/L for the "mineral water" label, and crucially, those minerals must be present at the source — they cannot be added post-extraction. Common reference points: Acqua Panna 188 mg/L, Evian 357 mg/L, Perrier 475 mg/L, Topo Chico ~950 mg/L, San Pellegrino 1,109 mg/L, Gerolsteiner 2,527 mg/L. Higher TDS yields a more pronounced mineral mouthfeel; lower TDS reads as soft, clean, and 'invisible.'