Definition: Saute (saw-TAY; soh-TAY) To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil in a skillet or saute pan over direct heat.

Being a good mathematician makes one a better cook. It's easier to remember that there are 3 teaspoons in 1 Tablespoon, 16 Tablespoons in 1 cup, 2 cups in 1 pint, 2 pints in 1 quart and 4 quarts in 1 gallon.

If you've got some delicious leftovers in the fridge, don't be tempted to ruin them in the microwave. For meats, rice, casseroles and vegetables, turn your conventional oven to 350 degrees and cover food with foil in an ovenproof dish. Heat 15 - 20 minutes and enjoy your delicious food, again!

To avoid slipping, place a damp towel or paper towel underneath your cutting board when preparing vegetables.

Whipped cream is extremely easy to make by hand and far superior to the canned variety. To make quick whipped cream start with cold utensils, a few drops of vanilla extract, a few pinches of sugar and a cup of heavy whipping cream, then whip away until peaks are formed.

Adding alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor to dishes while cooking does not make them alcoholic. The idea is to let the alcohol cook out of hot dishes, leaving the distinct flavor or the spirit behind.

Extra virgin olive oil is the result of the first pressing of olives, which is only 1% acidity. It is considered the finest and fruitiest of all the olive oils. In general, the deeper the color of the oil the more intense the olive flavor.

Panko bread crumbs, which have become popular with American chefs, are used in Japanese cooking to coat foods before frying. They are more coarse than American style bread crumbs and impart a deliciously crunchy crust.

The term En Papillote refers to food baked inside a wrapping of greased parchment paper. As the food bakes and lets off steam the parchment puffs up into a dome shape. This is a lovely way to present baked fish and vegetables. At the table, the paper package is opened to reveal the cooked dish.

Though you might see the word creatively used on restaurant menus, confit actually refers to an ancient French method of preserving meat. Goose, duck or pork is salted and cooked in it's own fat and packed in a crock using the fat to seal and preserve. The French word "confiture" means jam or preserves.

If you're craving sweets put down that candy and give dried fruits a try. You'll find dried figs, berries and orchard fruits are delicious, sweet and pleasantly chewy. My favorite are big, juicy Medjool dates stuffed with almonds or peanut butter. Yum!