New Year's Snacks

A very belated and Merry Christmas to all of our readers! Due to some sickness that made it's way around our whole family (and that's a lot of sick people), we disappeared for a while to get some rest and get well. We did get well and had a lovely Christmas, and we hope you did too!

Now that we are all healthy and well, we are going to do our New Year's posting instead! Anyone who knows us, knows that we love to entertain. We did this recipe last year, Fried Pasta. Very seldom do we fry anything, but this is a good exception and so yummy!

This is very easy to make, and makes a great party appetizer or just a fun snack for the family. The only thing you have to do to the pasta before you fry it is boil it. Not until it's completely cooked, just until it's tender. I cooked about 8 cups of dry bow tie pasta. Heat about 4 quarts of vegetable (or corn) oil to 370 degrees. The frying part of this recipe is not little child friendly. I kicked everybody out of the kitchen when I fried it.

A deep pot is absolutely necessary, the oil tends to boil up the sides and out of the pot when the pasta is added, so use caution when placing the pasta in the hot oil. 370 degrees is hot! Add the pasta in small batches (gently, don't drop it in) and fry until the pasta turns light brown. Remove the pasta with a slotted spoon. You have to work fast, once the pasta starts to brown it does so very quickly!

I was surprised that it took so long for the pasta to start to brown though, about 5-6 minutes. After all of the pasta has been fried (and is still slightly warm), add spices and cheese, whatever you want. I added about a cup and a half of Parmesan cheese and then garlic, pepper and thyme. All done! I'm thinking about trying some Ranch dressing mix next time.. how about a spicy variation?

Our family's plan for this New Year's Eve is simple: stay home and make some fun food, just with us. Leave us a comment and tell us what your New Year's plans are! Leave a link if you have posted holiday recipes on your blog :)

Many blessings on your new year,

~*~Jessica~*~