Can’t crack “Burn or scorch the surface” in Cookie Jam on your own? Here’s the answer you’re looking for

by

This weekend’s Buzzwords challenge in Cookie Jam is proving to be particularly difficult – at least, I think so! Clues like “Energy or outer part of a citrus peel,” “Green or black, oil or snack,” and “How fat two points are” were tough, but this one really stumped me. If you’re also having trouble with “Burn or scorch the surface,” here’s a hint to help you out.

Answer to “Burn or scorch the surface” in Cookie Jam

This puzzle was really challenging! The clue didn’t give much away, and the available letters weren’t useful at first. But after a lot of trial and error, I finally solved it!

  1. Burn or scorch the surface – Sear

When chefs ‘sear’ food, they quickly brown the surface—like meat, fish, or vegetables—using very high heat. It’s not about cooking the food completely, but creating a flavorful, golden-brown exterior.

Okay, so when I want to get a really good sear on something, I always start by making sure it’s nice and dry. Then, I get my pan screaming hot – seriously hot! Just a little oil in there, and then I cook each side for a few minutes, usually between one and three. That high heat does something amazing called the Maillard reaction, and it’s what gives the food that incredible, browned flavor and a slightly crispy outside. It’s the key to making things taste *so* good!

Many cooks like to quickly brown meats like steak, chicken, or scallops before finishing them in the oven or over gentler heat. This simple step is key to achieving that delicious, restaurant-level flavor at home. The goal is to create a flavorful, browned crust, so be careful not to burn the food.

Read More

2025-10-12 14:02