Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tip for Wednesday April 20 - Pasta Water

We have all heard about salting the water we cook pasta in. However, do not do it until after the water boils.  Salted water will take longer to boil and salt may pit your stainless steel pans if ti sits on the bottom in cold water waiting to dissolve. Some people also add a small amount of olive oil to the water.  That is a personal preference.  It will keep the pasta from sticking. But it may also keep the sauce from sticking to the pasta. 
You should also use a lot of water. Pasta needs to have room to move. Once it is in the water give it a good stir so nothing sticks together as it cooks. You can also add some of the pasta water to your sauce – the starch and salt will add flavor and body

POTATOES

Always wash a potato before you peel them. This is also true for any vegetable. That way you will remove any surface bacteria or pesticide that may otherwise get on the food from the peel. I also find that if you want the peel to come of easily, cut a small slit all the around the middle of the potatoes before you place them in the pan.  When it is cooked, the peel will slip off. Try and let me know how it works for you.