Pasta Lover's Gift Basket

Materials:

Gift basket
Package of gourmet pasta
Tongs or pasta grabber
Package of sun-dried tomatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil
Fancy olives
Spices: basic, oregano, garlic powder, cumin
Collection of your favorite pasta recipes, hand-printed on personalized recipe cards
Pasta cookbook
Jar of gourmet sauce
Clear gift wrap
Bow

Instructions:

Fill basket with any or all of the above items.

Place clear gift wrap under the basket, bring it over the top of the basket, and tie it up with a big pretty bow.

More Gift Basket Making Instructions

Recipes:

Cooking Tips:

Making a Roux: When making a roux, you really have to take your time! Don't try and strart it when you are in a rush, as it does take time and patience to make a goood roux!

How to Make Your Beans Creamy: When your beans start to soften, mash some of them against the pan, and blend them into the rest. You may need to add more water if they get too thick.

Cooking Rice: When making rice, the normal ratio is 2 parts water to one cup of rice. I usually bring rice and water and about a teaspoon of butter or margarine to a boil, then stir, lower the heat to a low temperature, and cover the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let set for about 5 minutes. Stir and enjoy!

Frying Potatoes: Before you fry potatoes, if you dry them off with a paper towel or clean cloth, it helps them to brown better, and cuts down on splattering.