Recipe: Fried Pasta Snacks with Chili, Lemon Pepper, and Parmesan Variations

FRIED PASTA SNACKS
(makes 3 cups)
(with variations)

2 cups uncooked colored twist pasta
l quart corn oil (approximately)
1/4 cup sugar, granulated or powdered
1 Tbsp. grated lemon or orange peel
1/8 tsp. salt

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Spread in a single layer on wax-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.

Carefully add pasta, 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..

Variations:

CHILI FRIED PASTA SNACKS: Follow recipe for Fried Pasta
Snacks. Omit sugar and lemon peel. Use 1 1/2 to 2 tsp. chili powder and 1/4 tsp. salt.

LEMON PEPPER FRIED PASTA SNACKS:
Follow recipe for Fried Pasta Snacks.
Omit sugar. Use 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1/4 tsp. 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 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp. salt.