Every time I fix noodles or other pastas the destructions say bring to a rolling boil for 10 to 15 minutes. This does not work, there are gummy remains after that time, it usually takes 25 to 30 minutes for it to be done. I add the salt and a bit of oil to the water, put in the pasta, boil for two or three minutes then reduce the heat for a gentle rolling heat, what am I doing wrong???

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), April 11, 2002

Answers

Are you bringing the water to a boil before you add the pasta?

-- Gayle in KY (gayleannesmith@yahoo.com), April 11, 2002.

Yes the water is at full boil.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), April 11, 2002.

I think you might be turning the heat down too low. It shouldn't take half an hour for pasta. Be sure the water is boiling hard when you drop it in and keep it boiling like crazy. Also, don't go according to the package directions for cooking time. Just do it according to your taste. Some people like it well done, other like it al-dente. Just cook it until it is the way you like it.

-- Karen (mountains_mama@hotmail.com), April 11, 2002.

A question Mitch, what altitude are you? I was raised at the foot of Mt Whitney in CA at about 9500 ft and our pasta did take longer to cook. Here in OR we are at only 900 ft and it takes just about what it says on the package, I keep the water at a rolling boil all through the cooking time. Hope this passes on some ideas. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), April 11, 2002.