Colorful Fried Pasta Snacks with Variations

Makes 3 cups.

2 cups uncooked colored twist pasta
1 quart corn oil (approximately)
1/4 cup granulated or confectioners sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon or orange peel
1/8 teaspoon salt

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Spread in a single layer on wax paper-lined cookie sheet and dry for 20 minutes.

Pour corn oil into electric skillet, filling no more than one-third full. Heat to 375 degrees F.

Carefully add pasta to hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 1 minute, turning once, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Repeat until all pasta is fried, adding oil as needed.

In a medium bowl, stir sugar, lemon peel and salt until well mixed. Toss pasta with sugar mixture until coated. Store in tightly covered container.

Chili Fried Pasta Snacks:
Follow recipe for Fried Pasta Snacks. Omit sugar and lemon peel. Use 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Lemon Pepper Fried Pasta Snacks:
Follow recipe for Fried Pasta Snacks. Omit sugar. Use 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper.

Parmesan Fried Pasta Snacks:
Follow recipe for Fried Pasta Snacks. Omit sugar and lemon peel. Mix together 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon salt.