If you’ve ever overcooked or undercooked pasta and suffered the consequences throughout your entire meal, you know how touchy this seemingly simple dish can be. Luckily, these simple steps will show you how to prepare the perfect plate of pasta.

1. Use a large enough pot. One of the most common mistakes when cooking pasta is using a pot that isn’t large enough to accommodate your noodles and water. As a general rule, one pound of pasta should be cooked in about 5 to 6 quarts of water or more.
2. Start with cold water. To avoid tainting your pasta’s taste with the metallic taste of your sink’s pipes, fill the pot with cold water to start. Hot water dissolves contaminants like lead much more easily, which could affect the taste of your pasta.
3. Boil thoroughly. Cover your pot with a glass lid and bring the water to a quick boil. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the natural flavors.
4. Cook pasta. Most pastas cook for 18 to 20 minutes after the water returns to a boil. Be sure to remove a noodle or two and taste them throughout the cooking process.
5. Drain and serve. Drain your noodles over a large colander, but be sure not to over-drain them, as this could cause them to dry out and stick together. Pour warm sauce over all of the noodles, and then serve.

The Most Common Cooking Mistakes [Cooking Light]
How To Cook Perfect Pasta [What’s Cooking America]
10 Secrets to Perfect Pasta [Good Housekeeping]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Angelo DeSantis

An old tobacco barn has been re-purposed to become the Dosey Doe, a great place for food, music, and fun near Avana Sterling Ridge. Frequent patrons of this entertainment venue note that it boasts great acoustics. But first, have a seat and fuel up with a made-from-scratch meal. The chef at the Dosey Doe believes in cooking everything from start to finish, using only the freshest local ingredients. Check out the Blue Plate Specials like grilled rib-eye or bacon wrapped quail. The everyday entrees like the “Ginormous” chicken fried steak with garlic potatoes and gravy will satisfy any appetite.

Great bands are always on tap at Dosey Doe’s Big Barn, including local bands and big acts like the Bellamy Brothers, Crystal Gayle, and Ray Price. Call ahead for advance ticket sales.

Dosey Doe
25911 IH 45
Spring, TX 77380
(281) 367-3774
www.doseydoe.com/bigdoe.php
www.yelp.com/biz/dosey-doe-spring-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Sam Foles

Your grandmother may have been on to something with all of those canned fruits and vegetables. Canning is a great way to preserve the lifespan of fresh produce, and it creates a number of unique new ways to eat your favorite veggies. If you want to start canning in your own home, here are 5 things that you need to know.

1. Do not use overripe produce. Although canning helps you to extend the lifespan of produce, it won’t reverse the ripening process if it has already happened. Be sure to use only crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Sterilize cans before starting. Because your produce will be sealed tightly inside of the glass jars, you want to make sure that there is no bacteria inside of there as well. Wash each jar with hot, soapy water and soak them in a boiling water bath for at least 10 minutes before you begin.
3. Research acid additions. Many types of fruits and vegetables require ascorbic acid or citric acid to prevent browning or maintain pH levels, so do your research before canning.
4. Do not fill the jars completely. Your produce will expand during the boiling process, so be sure leave an inch or so of space at the top of each jar.

More Canning Tips and Do's/Don'ts [Pick Your Own]
Canning 101: The Basics [Simple Bites]
USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, 2009 revision [NCHFP]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/elizaraxi