Yikes, It's a Fried Pasta Recipe!

But it's also an unusual, delicious party snack recipe that feeds a crowd on a budget. Easy, too. (If it will make you feel better, use whole wheat pasta.) Enjoy your Crispy Mac or Crispy Mac Party Mix!

A party snack idea with a twist!

4 cups corkscrew pasta or other bite size pasta like bow ties or wagon wheels
1 tablespoon oil
Oil for deep frying
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

One of the following seasoning mixtures:

• Italian: 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• Mexican: 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon each chili powder, cumin, and onion salt
• Lemon-Pepper: 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Or for a sweet version try:

• Sweet: 2 tablespoons lemon zest (or orange), 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water, with 1 tablespoon oil, until just tender. Drain well, turn out onto wax paper and blot away any excess moisture with paper towels.

Fry the pasta in small batches in hot oil (375°) until golden brown, about 45 seconds. Drain on paper towels.

Transfer the fried pasta to a serving bowl while still warm. Combine the melted butter and vinegar, and pour it over the fried pasta. Toss. Sprinkle the pasta with the seasoning of your choice. Toss again and serve.

Crispy Mac Party Mix

Use an assortment of bite-size pasta. Once fried and transferred to a serving bowl, stir in 1-1/2 cups roasted nuts. Drizzle with the melted butter mixture and toss with a seasoning mix above. These pair well:

Mexican seasoning mix with Spiced Almonds or Spicy Pecan Nibbles

Italian seasoning mix with Rosemary Walnuts

Sweet seasoning mix with Candied Nuts or Glazed Cinnamon Almonds


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