aspic

IPA/ˈæspɪk/
IPA/ˈæspɪk/

aspic — noun

1. a clear, savoury jelly made by slowly cooking meat, fish, or animal bones in wat

1.nounC2
Definition

a clear, savoury jelly made by slowly cooking meat, fish, or animal bones in water until the liquid becomes firm when cooled, used in cold dishes to cover or hold ingredients in a decorative shape

Example

Samira made a chicken aspic with tarragon and sliced eggs for the summer party.

made, chicken aspic, with tarragon

The chef carefully unmoulded the fish aspic onto a bed of fresh salad leaves.

carefully unmoulded, fish aspic, onto

Common collocations
  • chicken aspic
  • fish aspic
  • meat aspic
  • tomato aspic
  • set aspic
  • make aspic
  • unmould aspic
  • pour aspic over
  • coat in aspic
  • layer of aspic
Synonyms
  • gelatin

    neutral, unflavoured setting agent; aspic is specifically savoury and flavoured with meat or fish stock

  • jelly

    more general term; in British English 'jelly' is usually sweet, while aspic is always savoury

Usage Note

Often used uncountably to refer to the substance in general, but countable when referring to a specific dish (e.g., a chicken aspic).

Common Mistakes

This dessert is covered in aspic.
This savoury dish is covered in aspic.
Aspic is a savoury jelly, never sweet.

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • set in a mould
  • pour over
  • coat in
  • unmould onto

Prepositions