Colorful Fried Pasta Snacks with Variations

Yield: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Spread in a single layer on wax paper-lined cookie sheet and dry for 20 minutes.
2. Pour corn oil into electric skillet, filling no more than one-third full. Heat to 375 degrees F.
3. 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.
4. In a medium bowl, stir sugar, lemon peel and salt until well mixed. Toss pasta with sugar mixture until coated.
5. Store in a tightly covered container.

Notes

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.