Cold palate cleansers

Chilling Clues: Cracking the Cold Palate Cleanser Crossword

Hey crossword fanatics! This week’s puzzle threw a real curveball – a clue referencing those delightful, refreshing treats we all crave after a spicy meal. We’re talking, of course, about

cold palate cleansers

. This seemingly simple clue is proving trickier than it looks, prompting a flurry of emails and frustrated sighs from fellow solvers.

Forget your usual suspects – this isn’t a straightforward “yogurt” or “sorbet” answer. The setter clearly wants something more nuanced, something that captures the
essence
of that palate-resetting experience. To help you conquer this icy challenge, I’ve broken down my thought process, considering different approaches and potential wordplay techniques the setter might be employing.

First, let’s analyze the clue itself (which I’ll leave tantalizingly hidden for you to discover on your own!). Is it a cryptic clue, relying on wordplay and misdirection? Or is it a straightforward definition? The use of “cold” is undeniably literal, but “palate cleansers” offers a broader range of possibilities. We need to consider what constitutes a “cleanser” in this context. Are we talking about a specific ingredient, a type of dish, or perhaps a more abstract concept?

Let’s brainstorm some possibilities. Think beyond the obvious. Consider regional variations, less common ingredients, or even metaphorical interpretations. Is there a specific type of cold dish associated with neutralizing spice? Does the clue hint at a particular culinary tradition or technique?

Perhaps the clue relies on a hidden word or anagram? Check for potential letter rearrangements within the clue’s wording. Are there any synonyms for “cold” or “palate cleanser” that could be incorporated? Is there a play on words, a double meaning, or a cryptic definition at work?

Remember to scrutinize every word in the clue. Even seemingly insignificant articles or prepositions can hold the key to unlocking the answer. Consider the length of the answer, as indicated by the number of squares in the crossword grid. This crucial piece of information can help eliminate possibilities and narrow down the field.

Don’t be afraid to consult dictionaries, thesauruses, and online resources. A quick search for synonyms of “palate cleanser” could reveal hidden connections. Exploring different culinary traditions might also unveil unexpected candidates.

This clue is a true test of crossword solving skills, demanding a combination of lateral thinking, vocabulary knowledge, and a little bit of culinary expertise. So grab your dictionaries, sharpen your pencils, and let the chilling chase begin! I’m confident that with a bit of perseverance, you’ll crack this icy riddle. Good luck, and happy solving! Share your thoughts and your (hopefully successful!) attempts in the comments below – let’s see who can solve this frosty conundrum first!

Available Answers:

SORBETS.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 16 Nov 24, Saturday