Techniques

For a savory spark of flavor, cut a quarter-inch slice from the center of the lemon out through the peel. Grab the cut ends and twist in opposite directions. A twist imparts flavors from the fruit and the peel of the lemon.

To turn the cake out of the pan, run a paring knife carefully around the edge of the pan to separate it from the cake. Place the cooling rack over the cake pan. Using oven mitts, slide the cake pan off the table onto your hand. Place your other hand on the rack directly over

Fresh ginger juice kicks up the flavor of this dressing. To make ginger juice, wash the fresh ginger root and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Place in a blender and add water until just covered. Puree until smooth. Pour into a fine strainer set over non-reactive container. Press all juice from the pulp. Repeat this

Reserve that duck fat! It’s delicious for cooking potatoes as a side dish or to season stocks and sauces.

Room temperature citrus will yield more juice than refrigerated. Roll fruit around under your palm on a hard surface, applying slight pressure, before cutting in half and juicing.

In a nonreactive container, cover dry beans with cold water at a ratio of 2:1. They can be left on the counter or in the refrigerator overnight, depending on the weather. Drain all water and cook in fresh water. Place beans in a pot with cold water at a ratio of 2:1. Bring to a

Never stir beans while cooking. Agitation with a spoon will cause the skins to separate from the bean. These skins will settle to the bottom and may burn before the beans are cooked. Let the action of a “soft boil” or “slow rolling boil” work to keep the beans stirred.

Avoid using lighter fluid to start your coals; it could add an unwanted taste to anything you grill. Better options: Use a Chimney. This tool takes some practice, but once you figure how many sheets of old newspaper it takes to get your charcoals started, it is very efficient. Use an electric starter. Several types

Here are two techniques to toast nuts and seeds: The most convenient way to toast any nut or seed is to preheat the oven to 375, spread the nuts on a sheet pan and place in the oven. Check them every 5 minutes, stirring each time for an even toast. Remove them from the oven