DATE: Wednesday, July 23, 1997              TAG: 9707210268

SECTION: FLAVOR                  PAGE: F4   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: KIDS' KITCHEN
SOURCE: KAREN WALSH BREMENSTUL, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:   44 lines

SECRET TO PASTA IS NOT TO OVERCOOK IT

IF YOU use your imagination, you can come up with endless ideas for pasta.

Pasta includes macaroni, noodles and spaghetti in more than 150 shapes. Most pasta is made from flour, salt and water, but you can also buy pasta that is red, green or other colors depending on the ingredients that have been added to the pasta dough.

The secret to making delicious pasta is not to overcook it. It is always best to follow the directions on the recipe or package because cooking times will vary depending on the thickness and size of the pasta.

Some recipes, such as One-Pan Italian Spaghetti, have you cook the pasta with other ingredients instead of in boiling water.

There are several rules that will help you boil pasta to perfection:

1. Cook the pasta in plenty of water. The water should cover the pasta or the pasta will be sticky.

2. Bring the water to a rapid boil before adding the pasta and stir it just after you put it in the boiling water.

3. Boil the pasta uncovered for the amount of time on the package directions, stirring occasionally.

4. Cook pasta for a shorter time than on the package if the recipe has additional cooking time after the pasta is added to other ingredients.

5. You can test for doneness by carefully removing one piece from the pan, rinsing it in cold water and tasting it. If it is not tender, cook for 2 to 3 minutes more and test it again.

Pasta is usually drained, not rinsed, and served as quickly as possible. If you haven't drained pasta before, ask an adult for help. To drain the water from the pasta, place a large colander in the sink and pour the water away from you. Be very careful because very hot steam will rise out of the sink.

If serving the pasta cold, drain it and rinse with cold water to prevent it from sticking.

Some recipes, such as One-Pan Italian Spaghetti, have you cook the pasta with other ingredients instead of in boiling water. MEMO: Remember to save all 10 weekly cooking forms and mail them in at

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