Pointers for perfect pasta
Dear Heloise: Does it matter when you salt the pasta water— before or after boiling? Also, when making multiple pasta dishes, can one use the pasta water twice? Since it’s already hot, it would boil again quickly.—Ed C., via email
Add salt to the water once it comes to a rapid boil.
Adding salt before heating the water can cause pitting in the bottom of pots. The pasta will become seasoned with the salt water as it cooks.
Do not use the same water to make a second batch of pasta. As pasta cooks, it releases starch into the water (that’s what makes the water look cloudy). You don’t want to already have starchy water when cooking new pasta, which will release more starch as it cooks.—Heloise
P.S. Remember not to rinse the pasta after cooking, because the starch helps sauces stick to the pieces of pasta. Rinse only pasta that you are using for cold dishes. SMALLER CONTAINERS Dear Heloise: Today, I read about a person’s olive-usage dilemma. (Heloise here: The reader asked how to store black olives once a can was opened.) I had the same problem. They now make black and green olives in a “to-go” type of small container (pack of four) that does not need refrigeration until opened. They are the perfect size for one serving, for not taking up space in the refrigerator, and for taking with you for meals away from home. I love it when manufacturers make easy, small packages.—D.P., via email
These to-go packs are perfect for smaller portions, but beware: They are typically more expensive than cans.— Heloise
TEMPORARY PEDESTAL PLATE Dear Heloise: A pedestal plate makes an attractive addition to a buffet table, but I’ve never bought one because of my limited storage space. My solution has been to make a temporary one when I want one.
I firmly attach the bottom of a plate or platter to a stemmed sherbet dish with sticky/tacky wax, available in places that sell craft materials and candles. The improvised pedestal plate works well for serving cookies, candies and hors d’oeuvres. When the event is over, it’s easy to disassemble the plate and remove the wax.—Sandra M., Lexington, Ky.