macadamias 
native to Australia, rich and buttery nut; store in refrigerator because of high oil content
madeira Fortified wine heated during aging, ranging in flavour from sweet to very dry, which can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes, while the lighter versions make an excellent aperitif.
mahi mahi Erroneously thought by some to be related to dolphin. This very large game fish has firm-textured flesh with a distinct central red muscle running the length of the fillet. Well suited to barbecuing, char-grilling, pan-frying and baking.
Malay curry powder Generally consisting of dried spices including cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, turmeric, black peppercorns and dried red chillies, ground in varying proportions. In Malaysia, different combinations of these are specifically labelled for meat, fish or vegetable curries. Available from Asian food stores.
malibu coconut-flavoured white rum
malt A sweet powdered extract derived from malted barley.
mandarin A type of orange with an easily removable skin and ranging in size from the golf-ball-sized clementine to the tennis-ball-sized tangerine.
mandoline a hand-operated implement with adjustable blades for thick to very thin slicing, shredding and cutting into straw-sized sticks. Ideal for shredding carrot and daikon (japanese white radish), similar results will be achieved with the shredding mechanism of the food processor or a plastic V-slicer. As a last resort, use the coarse side of a grater.
mango Tropical fruit originally from india or South-Esat Asia, with skin colour ranging from green trhough yellow to deep red. Fragrant deep yellow flesh surrounds a large flat seed. Mango cheeks in a light syrup are available canned.
mango cheeks Two halves of mango flesh surrounding the seed.
maple syrup A thin syrup distilled from the sap of the maple tree.
marron A freshwater crustacean indigenous to Western Australia; substitute with scampi or yabbies.
marsala a sweet fortified wine originally from Sicily
maryland Leg and thigh of fowl still conneted in a single piece with bones and skin intact.
mascarpone cheese A fresh, unripened, thick triple-cream cheese with a delicately sweet, slightly acidic flavour.
mayonnaise rich, creamy dressing made with egg yolks, vegetable oil, mustard, and vinegar or lemon juice
membrillo Also known as quince paste, this Spanish fruit paste is made by cooking quince, sugar and water to a thick paste. Sold in round tins, tetra packs or blocks.
merguez Small, spicy sausage traditionally made with lamb; recognised by its chilli-red colour. Found in butchers, delicatessens and sausage specialty stores.
mesclun a mixture of baby lettuces and other salad leaves, also known as gourmet salad mix
milk SWEETENED CONDENSED made by removing 60% of the water content from milk, then adding sugar to sweeten what remains
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