Understanding Demi in Cooking: A Guide to Partially-Formed Sauces and Glazes

Demi is a prefix that means "half" or "partially". It is often used to describe something that is partially or partially-formed. For example, a demi-cup bra is a type of bra that provides partial coverage for the breasts, while a demi-seasonal dress is a garment that is designed for wear during a specific season but not for the entire year.

In the context of cooking, demi can refer to a sauce or glaze that is made with a mixture of ingredients, such as meat stock, cream, and seasonings. The term "demi-glace" is often used to describe a rich, savory sauce that is made with a reduction of meat stock and a roux (a mixture of flour and fat).

Demi can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is partially or partially-formed. For example, a demi-baked cake is one that has been baked for a shorter amount of time than a full-baked cake, resulting in a partially cooked texture.