Marinas Menu: October is NATIONAL PASTA MONTH

Get a fork and some friends and enjoy "National Pasta Month" in October. We have nutritional information and recipes to celebrate this versatile food.

Each cup of cooked pasta contains approximately 45 grams of total carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel for your body. A full cup of cooked pasta is about 225 calories. It has no cholesterol and is low in sodium and sugar. Pasta is very high in selenium, a trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant. Whole-wheat varieties are also good sources of fiber in your diet.

The key to enjoying healthy pasta choices is in the preparation. Toss cooked pasta with a little bit of olive oil before adding herbs or chopped nuts. Fall vegetables can be roasted to garnish your favorite pasta. Cold pasta can be combined with salad dressing and raw vegetables for a quick and delicious take-along meal.

Try making your own pasta. The recipe consists of four ingredients: 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of water, one beaten egg and a half teaspoon of salt. Combine all the ingredients and knead the dough for about 4 minutes. Roll it out to the desired thickness and cut to your liking. Boil only briefly until the pasta rises to the surface. Drain and serve with your favorite sauce.

For more information, pasta recipes and nutritional information, visit the National Pasta Association at http://www.ilovepasta.org/public/national-pasta-month.

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