Squid

Along with octopus and cuttle fish, squid is a member of the cephalopod family and is an invertebrate with an internal shell. Squid has a flat head and long smooth body with tentacles (arms) trailing from the bottom. Both the flesh and tentacles have a mild flavor and, when cooked quickly, a pleasantly chewy texture. Most fish stores and seafood counters at supermarkets sell squid that has been cleaned with the white body and tentacles already separated. You can also find them cleaned and frozen. If you are purchasing the whole squid you will need to clean and separate the body from the tentacles. To do this, hold down the head with the side of knife and pull the body away. The head, internal organs, ink sac and tentacles are attached. Cut the tentacles away from the head and reserve. Discard the head and organs. Peel the purple membrane from the body and discard it. Reach into the body, remove the clear plasticlike shell and discard it.