Zesting is done with a kitchen gadget called a zester, which has a short, flat blade with a beveled end and 5 small holes. When drawn firmly over the skin of citrus fruit, the tool removes thin strips of the colored zest. (Do not strip off the white part beneath; it has a bitter flavor.) You can also use a vegetable peeler to remove strands of the peel, then use a small knife to cut them into thinner strips.

Paulette Mitchell, a culinary instructor, television personality, and the author of 10 cookbooks, is known internationally for her quick-to-prepare recipes with a gourmet flair. Her 15-Minute Gourmet cookbook series, including Chicken, Vegetarian, and Noodles, was awarded "Best Cookbook Series in the World" at the 2000 World Cookbook Fair in Périgueux, France in November, 2000. Her Complete Soy Cookbook was named "Best Health Cookbook" at the same event in 1998. Paulette's recipes will appear each day in this column, and she will share culinary tips and kitchen wisdom acquired over the years and through her international travels.