People regularly ask me for recommendations: from which culinary classics to have on their bookshelves, to which ingredients to keep in their cupboards, or what utensils are best for certain techniques. So, as a Pasta Grannies team, we thought it was about time to share a few of our favourite things. Each week, on the Pasta Grannies blog, we’ll share a few key items we’re loving.
STOCK
Items we regularly have on shelves in our pantry
You didn’t think we’d be sharing ready made pasta in this section, did you? Not this week! We always
encourage making it by hand.
Do you already have your tried-and-tested or go-to shape? Why not challenge yourself to try out a new one? If you would like inspiration then take a look at Pasta Encyclopaedia by Oretta Zanini De Vita. This was published several years ago, but it remains a go-to reference book and an excellent attempt to list all the pasta shapes of Italy. My copy is a hedgehog of post-it notes.
MAKE
The best kitchen gadgets and gizmos to make a family-style spread.
Good pasta not only lies in the shaping, but in the cooking. And that means a good saucepan. We love these from Baldassare Agnelli; they’re great for ‘skipping’ pasta right before you serve it (adding the sauce and the freshly cooked pasta to toss it all together with a shoogle of the pan). The long handles are easy to grip. Plus, the pans have nice high sides to prevent spillages while you’re testing that wrist action! They’re compatible with induction and gas hobs and come in a range of sizes too. Remember to add a spoonful of that starchy pasta water to give it that extra creamy consistency.
And if you’re making a lasagna or a pasta al forno for your pasta celebrations, we like this Deep Baking Pan; it gives a lot of space for all those layers. And if you fancy adapting it from the usual style of this dish, why not try rolling them up for a change like the glamorous Concetta Maria. Fancy learning not only how to make her dish, but look as fashionable as she does while making it? Revisit our Nonnas serving…style post from earlier in the year to get your helpings of grandmother chic.
ENJOY
Other things we’ve been enjoying inside or outside of the kitchen.
Did you already check our ‘What Pasta Shape Are You?’ blog post and find your pasta personality? We’d love to know which shape you identify as.
And, if you prefer to wear your pasta instead of eating it or defining? Or you’re just looking for a great gift for the pasta lover in your life?
Then grab one of our Lasagna Is Always A Good Idea Tee or Cap.
Please note that all these items are real recommendations chosen at our own discretion, and not a result of paid placement. Sometimes, however, we may include affiliate links)
