General terms

Batonnet A knife cut that is a shorter, fatter friend of the julienne cut, which is long and thin. In the Batonnet's defense, it has a better personality.

Brunoise A knife cut that is a dice cut measuring 1/8 inch by 1/8 inch by 1/8 inch. Any miscalculations with the measurements could potentially prompt a life-ending Armageddon, so be precise!

Dice A knife cut that is, essentially, cubes. But "dice" sounds fancier. Sizes can range based on what you're making

Julienne A knife cut that is long and thin, like shoestring potatoes. And while the julienne is a delight to the eyes, it's not as stuck up as you'd think. Actually, it's wonderfully smart and well grounded.

Mise en place: (MEEZ ohn plahs) Translates literally to "put in place," but means to organize and prepare. (Essentially, get your stuff together. Have your ingredients, your pans, your plan at the ready. None of this, "Crap, where's that big spoon I like to stir with?!" nonsense. It also means to clean as you go so your work area doesn't acquire that post-Apocalyptic appearance.)