Review-Pasta Magic Makes Tragic Pasta

The other day I picked up a kitchen gadget called the “Pasta Magic” and today I allowed it to approach the wonderfulness that is my spaghetti sauce. After judging the results of this supposed time-saving device, I have to give it a hearty thumbs-down. Actually, not only do I have to give it the thumbs-down, but I really want to.

Opening it up and looking at the contents, I found two containers, two strainer lids, two lock-down sealing lids, instructions, and a thermal sleeve that’s supposed to help you not burn your hand while pouring out the water you’ve just used to cook your pasta. I’ll go through each of the components, because I have something to say about each.

The containers are sturdy enough, and they don’t look easy to tip over. They have a rim around the bottom to keep them upright. They have one big flaw that I will discuss in a moment. Continue reading “Review-Pasta Magic Makes Tragic Pasta”

Cooking For Beginners – 9 Pasta Tips and Tricks

Cooking pasta, for some, is a daunting challenge. For instance… a cousin of mine cooked pasta for so long… it came out of the pot in one big clump every time.

If you’re pasta isn’t turning out… the following tips should help you to get fantastic results every time.

1. How much pasta per person? This always seems to be an issue for everyone. Only you know your family’s appetite… but… here is the rule of thumb. A one pound box of pasta will serve 4 big eaters. If you are preparing other dishes to go along with your pasta, a one pound box would easily serve up to 6 people. Note: One cup of uncooked pasta equals two cups of cooked pasta.

2. How to salt pasta? I add a lot of salt to my pasta water. I am told, that it should taste like the sea. Taste the water after you’ve added the salt… the salt taste should be noticeable.

3. Should the water be boiling first? Yes! Bring the water to a vigorous boil before adding the pasta… a boil that you cannot stop by stirring.

4. How much water to cook the pasta in? Make sure the pasta has lots of breathing room. You want the pasta to have enough water to move around freely so it can absorb the water. If there is not enough water, the pasta will stick together and become gooey. Also, you will find uncooked pieces that have stuck together. Continue reading “Cooking For Beginners – 9 Pasta Tips and Tricks”

What Is Pasta Bianca Tile?

Translated from Italian, “pasta bianca” means “white body” and is used to describe a kind of tile that is manufactured mostly in Italy. Pasta bianca tiles are popular in home decorating worldwide. They are called pâte blanche in France, weissscherben in Germany, and white body tiles in America. The name comes from the pale ground color of the tile body, called a bisque or a biscuit, which is usually a light gray or beige. These tiles can be given a clear glaze to let the natural colors show, or they can be glazed with various colors, designs and finishes.

Production

To create the tile body, a clay powder called talc is dust-pressed into a mold. The clay is a kaolinite produced from iron-free clays characteristic of deposits in France or Germany. After molding, the tiles fired and glazed. Firing occurs in tunnel kilns that heat the tiles to temperatures around 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,010 degrees Centigrade. After firing, further treatment occurs if rectified tiles are needed. The tile edges are mechanically ground down to an even straight edge with perpendicular corners so they can be laid closely together. A natural edge is left on unrectified tiles.

Types Continue reading “What Is Pasta Bianca Tile?”

Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Recipes For Kids

Cooking for your children is such a joy. You’re sure that they eat only delicious and nutritious food which they deserve. But there are days when you just don’t have time to prepare something tedious in the kitchen. Good thing there are recipes that only take little preparation and cooking time.

Try these quick and easy 5-ingredient pasta recipes, perfect for busy days!

Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta

What you need:

1 cup pasta of your choice, cooked
1 package (a little over 1/4 kg.) turkey smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Continue reading “Quick and Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Recipes For Kids”

The Best Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Under 500 Calories

Preparing a delicious pasta dish is a tough job, especially when you’re counting calories. Everything is a factor to consider – the type of pasta, the sauce and most especially the toppings. But don’t worry – here are easy low-calorie dishes that don’t compromise taste:

Tropical Pesto Pasta

Calorie Count: 465 calories

What you need:

2 cups spaghetti, cooked al-dente
6 cloves garlic
2 cups loosely-packed baby spinach leaves
1 cup firmly-packed basil leaves
1/2 cup Pecorino-Romano cheese, sliced into cubes
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt

Continue reading “The Best Low-Calorie Pasta Recipes Under 500 Calories”

Tips for Cooking Pasta Well

It is one of the main “concerns” in the kitchen. We refer to cook pasta in point because who have not left him soft when I wanted to leave macaroni al dente? Or he thought the spaghetti is tender were running and then would have needed a little more cooking?

If you are wondering well with the times provided by the manufacturer on the packaging, you do not know if when the pasta is brilliant is that it is al dente or already past and, especially, if you are tired of burn your tongue tasting noodles to see if they are already cooked or have to leave a little more, do not miss our tips for cooking pasta well.

We are like that Italian grandmother we all want… but with fewer wrinkles. Let’s go there! Continue reading “Tips for Cooking Pasta Well”

3 Easy Pasta Dishes For the Cooking Beginner

Whether you like your pasta with heavy, meaty sauces like spaghetti with meatballs or just light and creamy like carbonara, learning how to cook pasta is always a must for a new cook. It is easy to prepare and is always a good dish to serve at dinners or at parties – even kids will appreciate it!

Quick Classic Carbonara

What you need:

3/4 kilogram medium-sized pasta
4 slices bacon
1 cup frozen peas
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Continue reading “3 Easy Pasta Dishes For the Cooking Beginner”

3 Low-Carb Versions of Pasta Dishes That Are Worth A Try

Pasta is one of the best comfort foods out there. However, even one serving can mean loads of carbs which isn’t ideal for anyone trying to eat healthy or lose weight. But don’t worry – you can substitute the ingredients to create a healthy, low-carb version of your favorite pasta dish without compromising taste and flavor!

Healthy Eggplant Lasagna

What you need:

1 large eggplant, peeled, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces, roasted
1 egg
3 sprigs thyme, chopped
2 sprigs oregano, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 slices part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 1/4 cups chopped spinach
10 grinds black pepper
Salt to taste

In a bowl, combine egg, thyme, oregano, garlic, Italian cheese blend, ricotta cheese and black pepper. Place aluminum foil on a 9-inch baking pan then spread about 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce followed by half of the roasted eggplant. Layer with half of the spinach then half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers with the ingredients, ending with the tomato sauce. Top lasagna with mozzarella before covering with aluminum foil. Bake in a pre-heated oven (350 degrees F) for 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and continue to bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbling.

Mac(auliflower) and Cheese

What you need:

1 head cauliflower, broken into bite-size pieces, steamed
1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
1 cup milk
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup Gouda cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

On a greased baking pan, layer cauliflower, onion, Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella cheese and Gouda cheese. Season with cayenne pepper, salt and ground black pepper. Pour milk over the mixture then cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a pre-heated oven (375 degrees F) for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes more or until top is browned.

Carbonara A La Sweet Potato

What you need:

1 kilogram sweet potatoes, peeled, sliced into long, thin strands resembling noodles
3 strips center-cut bacon, chopped
3 eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced mushrooms
3/4 cup baby spinach
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Place sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water and stir until slightly softened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Reserve 1/4 cup of the water and drain the rest. Return “noodles” to the pot. In a bowl, combine reserved water, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper then pour over sweet potatoes in the pot. Toss to coat. In a skillet, heat oil then cook bacon and mushroom until cooked through, stir in garlic and spinach. Pour mixture into the pot and toss to combine with sweet potato.

Try these healthy and flavorful low-carb options for your favorite pasta dishes!

Source by Adrian T. Cheng

Delicious Crock Pot Pasta Recipes That Are Ideal For Cooking Beginners

Pasta is a favorite dish worldwide, so if you’re a cooking beginner, knowing how to cook pasta is a must. There are endless options when it comes to cooking pasta dishes. You can choose from a variety of noodles, sauces, meats, veggies and even herbs and spices to make your own. But if you’re just a beginner, you can try these crock pot pasta recipes to help you get started with your cooking journey – everyone will surely approve!

Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup

What you need:

4 cups beef broth
3 cups water
3 cups spaghetti sauce
2 1/2 cups frozen meatballs
1 cup angel hair pasta, broken into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil

Continue reading “Delicious Crock Pot Pasta Recipes That Are Ideal For Cooking Beginners”

Reflections of Travel to Europe

As a four-decade Certified Travel Agent, international airline employee, researcher, writer, teacher, and photographer, travel, whether for pleasure or business purposes, has always been a significant and an integral part of my life. Some 400 trips to every portion of the globe, by means of road, rail, sea, and air, entailed destinations both mundane and exotic. This article focuses on those in Europe.

Ireland:

Ireland, the emerald green isle, was also visited on a number of occasions, and its attractions included Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Phoenix Park in Dublin. A Glens of Antrim itinerary included Belfast; Ballycastle, Dunluce Castle; the Old Bushmills Distillery; the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge; and the Giant’s Causeway, which was comprised of volcanic hexagonal basalt columns, all in Northern Ireland.

Morning tea in the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle included scones, butter, jam, whipped cream, and pots of the tea itself, and lunch in the Royal Court Hotel featured fresh fruit; a topside of beef, gravy, horseradish, a pastry cup, roasted potatoes, boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage; strawberry and kiwi pavlova with whipped cream and strawberry sauce; coffee; and chocolate mints. Continue reading “Reflections of Travel to Europe”