Because so many of my readers commented on how much they like our cooking tips in the Cooking on the Lite Side column, I am offering a booklet I created  titled: How To Conquer The Kitchen: 109 Cooking Tips and Techniques.

     Finding shortcuts and easier ways to getting things done in the kitchen is always a challenge, but yet can be cost effective and fun. Use this booklet, How to Conquer The Kitchen, to turn those difficult and tedious tasks into quick, easy and fun experiences.    These tips reflect over 25 years of various jobs in the food service industry, not to mention years of cooking for a family of four.

 Here are just a few sample tips from our booklet:

· Freeze the Zest - (Zest is the colored outermost skin layer of citrus fruits). When peeling an orange or lemon save and freeze the zest for a recipe you'll be making at later date. Zest can be used to flavor sweet and savory dishes, or candied, for pastry use. Beware of the white pit when zesting citrus, as it is very bitter.

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

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

• Garlic cloves peel easily when you first remove the ends, then lay flat and press with the side of a knife.

     As a direct result of our passion for writing and publishing, we can now offer you information on quantity purchases of this booklet, individual consulting, and draft review, licensing and manuscript development.

     Share your knowledge with the world and let us help you market your own informational tips booklet.

 You can get a copy of our Cooking Tips Booklet for only $5.00 by sending it to: Chef Nick Cavataio, 99 Hall Road, Owego NY 13827

The Gift of Time
  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.

 Join the fun at Chef Nick's Kitchen at Goodrich Settlement Grange, 421 Glenmary Drive, on Saturday, February 17, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, or Tuesday, February 20, from 5:45 to 7:45 pm. Registration and Payment needs to be three days in advance of the Session. Get more information and updates on future menus and sessions at: http://conqueringhealthierrecipes.com  and click on cooking sessions.  E-mail  nfc@stny.rr.com Or call 607-687-5654 to reserve a cooking session with Chef Nick's Kitchen.      

Tip of the Month:
 Refrigerator Clean-up - Fuzzy and hairy looking white, green, gray or black growth areas on food items in the refrigerator are a good indication that those items have turned into some kind of scientific laboratory experiment.  When in doubt, throw it out.

 I'd like to hear from you.  Do you have any comments, questions or favorite recipes?  Please e-mail me at nfc@stny.rr.com or write to Chef Nick, 99 Hall Rd, Owego, NY 13827.  If you would like copy of my cookbook you can find it on the web at: conqueringhealthierrecipes.com