| If
you have time make your own pasta, because the fresh flavor and delicate
texture are incomparable. |
| Cook
pasta in uncovered pot. Use at least 4 quarts of water for every pound
of pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta, and
bring it back to boil once the pasta is in the water. Plenty of water prevents
pasta from sticking together. |
| If
you're cooking fresh pasta, beware, because fresh pasta cooks very quickly. |
| A
little salt in the cooking water brings out pasta's flavor. |
| Pasta
should be cooked al dente (firm-tender). |
| If
you're serving hot pasta, don't rinse after draining. The starch on its
surface helps sauce to cling. |
| If
you're serving pasta cold, rinse it after draining. it will prevent pasta
from sticking as it cools. |
| Pasta
best absorbs flavors and liquid when it's hot. |
| To
serve pasta use a kitchen tongs, pasta lifter or a pair of large
forks. |
| Choosing
a good grating cheese is very important, almost as choosing the right sauce. |
| Lasagne
noodles easy get stick together in the pot or while they cool, because
they are long and wide. To prevent sticking just add a tablespoon of oil
to the cooking water. If you don't want to cook them in water with oil
you can cook them in batches, a few at a time and rinse them in cold water. |
