Ep 11. Use Your Noodle II

In season 5 episode 11 of Good Eats, titled Use Your Noodle II, host Alton Brown explores the different varieties of pasta and how to properly cook them. This is a follow-up episode to the first Use Your Noodle episode in season 3, which focused on the science behind pasta making.

In this episode, Brown dives deeper into the topic of pasta by discussing the origins of different types of pasta, their shapes and sizes, and how they are used in different dishes. He also provides a detailed guide on how to cook pasta to perfection by demonstrating the correct water temperature, amount of salt, and cooking time.

Throughout the episode, Brown prepares a variety of pasta dishes, including a classic Spaghetti Carbonara and a contemporary twist on shrimp scampi using black linguine. He also shares tips on making homemade pasta and discusses the benefits of using high-quality ingredients in pasta dishes.

One of the main focuses in Use Your Noodle II is the importance of using the right type of pasta for different sauces. Brown explains how the shape and texture of pasta can greatly affect how well it holds and absorbs sauces, and provides examples of which types of pasta work best with different sauces.

Aside from the technical aspects of pasta cooking, Brown also delves into the cultural significance of pasta in Italian cuisine. He discusses the history of pasta in Italy and how it has evolved over time, as well as the role that pasta plays in Italian culture and tradition.

As always, Brown's quirky humor and playful approach to cooking make this episode both educational and entertaining. Whether you're a pasta aficionado or a novice cook, Use Your Noodle II is a must-watch episode for anyone looking to perfect their pasta-cooking skills and learn more about this beloved dish.