Caramelized: Converted into caramel, caramelization is the oxidation of sugar, a process used extensively in cooking for the resulting nutty flavor and brown color. Whenever I see the word caramelized on a menu, I almost always ordered that food. My favorite dish to cook is macaroni and cheese with caramelized shallots and goat cheese. The 'z' sound at the end makes a sound similar to when I am caramelizing the shallots and they are sizzling in the pan.

Translucent: (from Ode to Salt). Translucent means allowing light to pass through but scattering as it does. I like the way the word rolls off my tongue and how it brings to mind images of light streaming through a window.