Activities

pasta

Cooking pasta

Cooking time can be 2 - 20 minutes

  1. Salt the Water: For every pound of pasta, use two teaspoons of salt in your cooking water. Most of it goes down the drain, but this is your chance to season the pasta.

  2. Use Enough Water: Pasta releases starch while cooking, so use four quarts (a gallon) of water for every pound of pasta. This prevents the pasta from getting to slimy1.

  3. Choose the Right Shape: Choose the right shape for your dish.

  4. Taste as You Cook: Ignore the packaging cooking times. Taste the pasta a minute before the suggested time. You want an al dente pasta.

  5. Stir Immediately: Stir the pasta as soon as you add it to the boiling water. Stirring prevents sticking.

scrambeled egg

Cooking scrambled egg

Cooking time can be 10 - 20 minutes

  1. Whisk Vigorously: Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk vigorously for about a minute. If you wish, you can add some milk as well.

  2. Low Heat: Melt butter or use oil over low heat in a nonstick skillet until it begins to foam. Remove the pan from the heat and add the whisked eggs. Return the pan to the heat.

  3. Foamy Top: Whisk the top of the eggs vigorously again until it’s very foamy. Try not to touch the bottom of the pan.

  4. Gentle Cooking: Let the bottom of the eggs set for 5-7 seconds. Run a silicone spatula from the edge of the pan into the middle. Tilt the pan so uncooked eggs slide onto the surface area you just created. Continue sliding the cooked eggs into the middle and rotate to allow uncooked eggs to hit the pan.

  5. Almost Set: After about 30 seconds, the eggs will be mostly set. Remove them from the heat—the residual heat will finish cooking them.

  6. Final Touch: Gently fold the eggs so any remaining wet spots touch the pan and finish setting.

  7. Season: Season with salt, paprika, and pepper, and transfer to a serving plate. Serve with toast.

Mash potato

Cooking mashed potatoes

Cooking time can be 20 - 30 minutes

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly.
  2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Drain and Dry: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to steam dry. This helps prevent soggy mashed potatoes.
  4. Mash the Potatoes: Return the potatoes to the pot. Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth. Gradually add the milk and butter, mashing until the potatoes are creamy and smooth.
  5. Season: Season with salt to taste. Mix well to combine.
  6. Serve: Serve the mashed potatoes hot, as a side dish to your favorite meal.