Well, I'm not much of a cook, and I've just bought a new cook book.
There are a couple of terms I'm not at all familiar with.

Many of the recipes call for 'scant' 1/2 cup . What does this mean? I'm
thinking it must mean just under 1/2 cup. Is this right?

Also, when talking about potatoes, it says to use 'mealy' potatoes. How
on earth do I know which potatoes are mealy? And does it really matter?


Thanks for any help.