THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, August 28, 1996            TAG: 9608270108
SECTION: FLAVOR                  PAGE: F1   EDITION: FINAL 
COLUMN: Morsels 
SOURCE: Ruth Fantasia 
                                            LENGTH:   30 lines

KITCHEN TEXT IS JUST MADE FOR BEGINNERS

``COOKING BASICS'' from the William-Sonoma Kitchen Library (Time-Life Books) is just the thing for someone who needs to learn to fend for himself in the kitchen. The 100-page text includes 46 recipes, each using a specific cooking technique.

For instance, you'll learn how to poach fish by making Poached Salmon Steaks With Mustard Sauce, and browning by cooking up Lamb Chops With Herb Butter. This little book tackles everything from appetizers such as Stuffed Poblano Chilies to desserts such as creme brulee.

``Cooking Basics'' costs $18.95 (hardcover) at bookstores and kitchen shops.

Cool lunches

Here's a tip for back-to-school shopping. Instead of buying a lunch box, go to the outdoor sports department and pick up a soft-sided, six-pack cooler instead.

Coolers are generally larger and better insulated than lunch boxes and cost about the same. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]

[Book Jacket] by CNB