GOOD TASTES FREEBIE LEAFLET.

With spring comes a reminder from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that eggs may occasionally contain bacteria called Salmonella Enteriditis (SE), which can cause illness if eggs are not handled and prepared properly. Since last September, all cartons of fresh, shell eggs that have not been treated to destroy Salmonella have been required to carry the following reminder.

``Safe handling instructions: To prevent illness from bacteria, keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.''

Now the FDA is offering Playing It Safe With Eggs, a brochure filled with buying, chilling, cooking and serving information. For a free copy, or more information on handling food safely, call [phone]. Or get food-safety information at FDA's Web site at www.cfsan.fda.gov.

- Natalie Haughton

TOP-RATED OVEN THERMOMETER: As mentioned repeatedly in stories in the food section, the temperature and accuracy of your oven can make the difference between a culinary success and disaster. But an inexpensive oven thermometer can save the day and let you know what's going on temperature-wise inside the oven.

To find out which thermometers are best, Cook's Illustrated magazine evaluated and rated eight different ones in an article in the April issue. The Taylor Classic Oven Guide Thermometer, Model 5921 ($12.99), was the favorite and got top marks for readability, stability and accuracy. The Component Design Magnet Mounted Oven Thermometer, Model MOTI ($7.99), earned a second-place rating and a note saying a magnet mounted on the back of the dial is a boon to stability.

So check out your oven soon with a new thermometer - no excuses!

- N.H.

DINING OUT

Kayla's Cookie Castle, more easily identifiable by its Bakery/Cafe sign, has opened in Reseda's Lohmann's Plaza in a former pizzeria.

Although the emphasis is on fresh-baked goods (breads, muffins, cookies, pastries) for take-out, Kayla's sports a European tea-room look with some cafe tables for sit-down eating. The cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Customers order at the counter and fare is delivered on plastic disposable ware. A variety of sandwiches made with house-baked herb focaccia, eight-grain bread, baguettes or croissants range from $4.95 to $6.95 and are served with a pasta salad du jour.

Four quiches ($3.25 to $3.95), two salads ($4.95 or $6.95) and two soups (French onion and soup du jour) served in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf make up the basic lunch and dinner menu along with the sandwiches.

Belgian waffles, a fresh fruit bowl and oatmeal are the breakfast options and range from $3.95 to $5.95. Beignets are available on Sunday only at 75 cents each.

Kayla's is located at 19365 Victory Blvd., Reseda. Information: [phone].

- Larry Lipson

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- 2) no caption (food thermometers)

(3) no caption (``Play It Safe With Eggs'')