[CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Holly Anderson via Cookinginthedark
Hi all. Today I’m going to attempt something I’ve never done before, spaghetti. I know its kind of sad. I’m making spaghetti for 2 people. I have a spaghetti cooker, it has a section with holes inside a pot that the spaghetti goes in. So when I lift the section with the holes out of the pot t

Re: [CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Penny Reeder via Cookinginthedark
Hi, The key to cooking pasta is to use lots of water and lots of salt! Cook it until it's just cooked -- you don't want mushy pasta! The Italians call it "al dente!" Fill your pasta pot about two thirds full with cold water. When it comes to a full, rolling boil, add at least a Tablespoon (I use mo

Re: [CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Nicole Massey via Cookinginthedark
I was told by the ex-boyfriend of a friend of mine, who was wrong in just about everything else, that to measure spaghetti in terms of number of people you grab a bunch of spaghetti in your dominant hand, with your thumb and index finger circling the pasta. If the ring puts your fingernail at

Re: [CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Paula and James Muysenberg via Cookinginthedark
Hi, all, My name is Paula. I just joined yesterday, and am looking forward to learning from everyone. I've already gleaned some great tips on cooking spaghetti from y'all, even though I've been preparing it for years. I want to mention to Leslie, that if you have difficulty cutting up

Re: [CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Alex Hall via Cookinginthedark
No problem, you have to start somewhere. 1. I start with ten minutes after the water boils and the noodles go in (some people leave the noodles in the whole time the water is heating, but I like to add them after it's boiling). After ten minutes grab a noodle with a fork and taste it. It's now

[CnD] Question about pressure cookers.

2015-01-22 Thread Paula and James Muysenberg via Cookinginthedark
I have a question about pressure cookers. I'm interested in buying one, but have no experience with them. I'm considering an electric one, called the Instant pot. It is also supposed to serve as a slow cooker and several other things. The cooking pot is stainless steel, which I prefer over

Re: [CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Abby Vincent via Cookinginthedark
There are many good prepared spaghetti sauces around. I love Newman's Own marinara. Some are even chunky and great with no other additions. I usually add browned hamburger meat or mushrooms. My mother used Campbell's tomato soup and added a bit of garlic. These sauces are all precooked. All

[CnD] great upcoming interview with Q and A

2015-01-22 Thread Charles Rivard via Cookinginthedark
As a special extension of our 7th birthday celebration, please join us in welcoming Master Chef Season 3's winner, Christine Ha, on Out-Of-Sight.net. The interview will take place on February 4, 2015 at 3:00 PM Eastern in the Out-Of-Sight's Presents room. After the interview, you will get a cha

Re: [CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Charles Rivard via Cookinginthedark
"YMMV"? I prefer English to shorthand. I figure that it is saying that your something?? may vary, but haven't seen this before. --- Be positive! When it comes to being defeated, if you think you're finished, you! really! are! finished! - Original Message - From: "Nicole Massey via C

Re: [CnD] Question about pressure cookers.

2015-01-22 Thread Andrew Niven via Cookinginthedark
Hi Paula. I have a Tefal pressure cooker, and a breville fast slow cooker which is a pressure cooker and slow cooker in one. Both these units are electric, and I'm very pleased with them both. I live in New Zealand, so not sure if the breville is available where you are, but I know you get T

Re: [CnD] spaghetti questions

2015-01-22 Thread Sandy via Cookinginthedark
I love, and prefer the many varieties of Preggo pasta jar sauce if I do not make my own. Fear is just excitement in need of an attitude adjustment! -Original Message- From: Cookinginthedark [mailto:cookinginthedark-boun...@acbradio.org] On Behalf Of Abby Vincent via Cookinginthedark Sen