ragout (rä-goo´).—A rich compound consisting of quenelles, mushrooms, truffles, etc., mixed with a rich sauce, and used to garnish rich dishes; also, a dish garnished with this.

raison d´état (rā zôN dā tȧ´), a state reason.

raison d´être (rā zôN detr´), the reason for a thing´s existence.

ramequin (ram´ē-kin; French pron. rä-me-kaN´).—A pastry consisting of a preparation of cheese inclosed in or mixed with puff paste, and baked or browned. Cheese straws are thin ramequins of cheese mixed with puff paste.

rapprochement (rȧ prôsh mäN´), the act of bringing together, reconciliation.

ratafia (rä-tä-fē-ä´).—(a) Noyau, curacao, or other liqueur containing kernels of fruit, as of peaches, cherries, etc. (b) A small macaroon made mainly of bitter almonds.

réchauffé (rā-shō-fā´), or réchauffée.—Warmed or heated over a second time.

recherche (re shersh´), elegant; attractive.

reçu (re sü´), received; receipt.

recueil choisi (re kö y shwȧzē´), a choice collection.