Cooking on the Lite Side
by Chef Nick Cavataio

Cool Tips and Time Savers
 
1. To seed and chop jalapenos or bell peppers - cut off both ends.  Stand on end and cut down sides to remove the flesh and discard the core and seeds.

2. When pounding chicken breast to whatever thickness, use a slightly damp plastic zip-lock bag to pound the chicken in, which will prevent sticking and tearing. 

3. Rice - Use coconut milk instead of water to cook basmati or jasmine rice for added flavor and creamy consistency. 

4. Frozen skewers - This way you will always have skewers ready to use for grilling.  Soak them overnight, the next day freeze them in a resealable plastic bag.

5. Easy cleanup for indoor grills - When finished grilling, unplug grill and place a wet towel or better yet a wet double sheet paper towel between the lid and bottom surface creating a steam clean.  Wait 10 - 15 minutes and wipe dry with paper towel.

6. To fix lumpy gravy - pour it through a sieve into another saucepan. Don't press the gravy through the sieve - just let it drip through. 

7. When you're cooked candy just won't set, add a few tablespoons of cream, return it to the heat, bring it to a boil and cook to the temperature specified in the recipe.  Removing more liquid by boiling is the only way to fix this problem.

8. Peel tomatoes and carrots easier by setting them in boiling water for a few seconds.  As soon as they are out, peel the tomato with your hands and the carrots with a clean dishtowel.

9. Shake a tiny bit of flour or salt in the frying pan before adding fat or oil to prevent grease splatters. 

10.  During hot summer months, freeze the little juice boxes for snacks or lunches the  night before. They will be ready to drink by lunchtime, and at the same time keep the other foods chilled

The Gift of Time
 The holidays are quickly approaching and schedules seem to get even busier then usual. What better gift than the Gift of Time.  Contact Chef Nick's Kitchen for details about gift certificates for Assembled Entrees ready to be freezer bound.
 Come join the fun at Chef Nick's Kitchen. Classes are held at the Goodrich Settlement Grange, 421 Glenmary Drive in Owego, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Dates are December 2 or 16, January 6, 9, 20, 23. Class Registration needs to be three days in advance. 

 Get more information and updates for future menus and classes at: www.conqueringhealthierrecipes.com and click on Cooking Class, or call 687-5654 to reserve a cooking session with Chef Nicks' Kitchen

 I'd like to hear from you. Do you have any comments, questions or favorite recipes? E-mail me at nfc@stny.rr.com or write to Chef Nick, 99 Hall Rd, Owego, NY 13827.  For a copy of my cookbook you, go to  John's Find Foods; 88 North Avenue, or Riverow Bookshop, 187 Front Street in Owego. Online, visit conqueringhealthierrecipes.com.