A Note About Zest
The intense flavor and aroma of citrus zest adds great flavor to so many foods from soup to sauces to cookies and cakes. The real trick in using lemon, lime or orange zest is to remove only the outer, colored layer of the peel. Avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Scrub the citrus well with a vegetable brush or coarse sponge to clean off any dirt or markings. Next grate the zest, using a zester or the smallest holes on a conventional box grater. You can also slice the zest off with a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler and then finely mince it.
Put A Lid On It
We all want to conserve time and energy. Did you know that water boils about 30% faster with a lid. Water boils faster in covered pots. The more water you have in the pot the more of a difference the lid will make. When boiling water in a pot for which you have no lid, cover it with a baking sheet or aluminum foil.
