Cooking Pasta
Be sure to use one gallon of water for cooking each pound of pasta. Two tablespoons of salt may be added to each gallon of water, but this is optional. One-half teaspoon of olive or vegetable oil may also be added for each gallon of water, but this too is optional...

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Pairing Pasta with Sauces
When selecting various types of pasta remember that the size is directly related to the name. Smaller versions of pasta end in "ini" where as larger versions of the pasta end in "oni". For example, tortelloni is the larger version of tortellini, and cannelloni is a larger version of canellini...
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The Italian Garden
Savory Mushrooms - Fans of the natural, earthen flavor of mushrooms can thank the ancient Romans, who were the first to grow them. Presently, some of the preferred mushrooms to cook with include the white truffle of Alba, the meaty, red-colored porcino, the earthy cremino and its mature version, known as the portobello...
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Appetizers, Snacks & Quick Bites
For a quick snack idea, spread some of a favorite Classico® pasta sauce on thinly sliced bread, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, and broil. Or, heat the pasta sauce and serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks. As a brunch or dinner idea, add a splash of heated pasta sauce over scrambled eggs, or try stuffing a potato with ground beef, shredded cheese, and warmed pasta sauce sprinkled with chopped onions...
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Wine Pairings
Since cave dwellers stumbled upon the joys of fermented grape juice some 4000 years ago, Italians have been perfecting the fine art of winemaking. Perfect your next meal or dinner party by serving just the right selection to go with it...
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Festive Ideas
Traditional Italian meals, like a Wedding Feast, often consist of four to six courses, beginning with antipasto. The next course or primo piatto, is usually pasta, rice/risotto or soup. Next comes the secondo piatto of meat or fish, served with or followed by the insalata or salad...
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