Zahtar - 
[ZAH-tar] Popular throughout Turkey and North Africa, zahtar is a spice blend comprised of sesame seeds mixed with powdered sumac and dried thyme. It`s sprinkled over meats and vegetables, or mixed with oil as a spread for bread. Zahtar can be found in Middle Eastern markets.

Zakuska - 
[zuh-KOOS-kuh, zuh-KOOS-kee] A Russian hors d`oeuvre, which could include any of a variety of foods such as anchovies, blinis, cavisr, cheeses, fish, oysters and fish- or meat-filled pastries. A zakuska assortment is generally served with bottles of ice-cold vodka.

Zest - 
The perfumy outermost skin layer of citrus fruit (usually oranges or lemons), which is removed with the aid of a citrus zester, paring knife or vegetable peeler. Only the colored portion of the skin (and not the white pith) is considered the zest. The aromatic oils in citrus zest are what add so much flavor to food. Zest can be used to flavor raw or cooked and sweet or savory dishes.

Zingara, à la - 
[zihn-GAH-rah] This French phrase translates to "gypsy style" and refers to a garnish consisting of chopped ham, tongue, mushrooms and truffles combined with tomato sauce, tarragon and sometimes madeira. This garnish is served with meat, poultry and sometimes eggs.

Ziti - 
[ZEE-tee] Long, thin tubes of macaroni.

Zombie - 
[ZAHM-bee] Extraordinarily potent, this cocktail is made with at least two types each of rum and liqueur plus two or three fruit juices such as pineapple, orange and lime. It`s usually served in a large goblet over crushed ice, garnished with slices of pineapple and orange and a maraschino cherry. The origin of the name is unknown, but it`s been said that one or two of these drinks can make one feel numb ... rather like a zombie.

Zuccotto - 
[zoo-KOHT-toh] Thought to have been inspired by the cupola of Florence, Italy`s, Duomo (the city`s main cathedral), this dome-shaped dessert begins with a bowl lined with liqueur-moistened cake (usually pound cake) slices. The bowl is then filled with a mixture of sweetened whipped cream, chopped or grated chocolate and various chopped nuts before being topped with additional cake slices. The zuccotto is refrigerated at least a day so the filling can set. It`s inverted onto a plate before being served.

Zungenwurst - 
[ZUHNG-uhn-voorst, zuhng-uhn-vurscht] A variety of German blood sausage that contains chunks of pickled tongue. This dried sausage can be eaten raw, although it`s more commonly sliced and browned in butter or bacon fat.

Zuppa inglese - 
[ZOO-puh ihn-GLAY-zay] Literally translated as "English soup", this Italian dish is, in fact, a refrigerated dessert similar to the British favorite, trifle. It`s made with rum-sprinkled slices of sponge cake layered with a rich custard or whipped cream (or both) and candied fruit or toasted almonds (or both).