Martha Stewart's Cooking School Season 2 Episode 5 Pasta

Martha Stewart's Cooking School season 2 episode 5 is all about pasta. Martha starts off by explaining that pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed in many different ways, from simple and comforting to complex and elegant dishes. She shows us how to make homemade pasta dough from scratch, using a mixture of flour and eggs. We learn about the importance of kneading the dough to the right consistency and using a pasta roller to achieve the desired thickness.

Next, Martha demonstrates how to make a classic spaghetti dish with tomato sauce, which she has prepared using fresh tomatoes and garlic. She adds some fresh basil and Parmesan cheese to give the dish a burst of flavor. Martha explains that while the recipe is simple, it's important to use quality ingredients to bring out the best in the dish.

After the spaghetti dish, Martha moves onto a more complex pasta dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. She first demonstrates how to make a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Martha also adds garlic and nutmeg to give the sauce a unique flavor. She then shows us how to cook the fettuccine pasta to perfection, al dente. Finally, Martha combines the pasta and sauce and garnishes the dish with fresh parsley.

Moving on, Martha makes Tagliatelle with Prosciutto and Peas. The dish is a great combination of saltiness from the prosciutto and sweetness from the peas. Martha demonstrates how to cook the pasta perfectly and then sautés the prosciutto for just the right amount of crispiness. She then adds in the peas and cream to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Finally, Martha tosses the pasta and sauce together, ensuring that every strand of pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.

For the last pasta dish of the day, Martha demonstrates how to make pasta with clams. She shows us how to cook the clams with white wine, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. She then adds the cooked pasta to the clams and sauce, along with some fresh parsley and lemon zest. Martha explains that this dish is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and sophisticated meal.

In addition to the pasta dishes, Martha also prepares a few side dishes to accompany the meals. She shows us how to make a basic Italian salad with lettuce, radicchio, and balsamic vinaigrette. She also makes some garlic bread, the perfect accompaniment to any pasta dish. Martha also demonstrates how to create a beautiful antipasto platter, featuring an array of cured meats, cheeses, and olives.

Throughout the episode, Martha emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients and taking your time to create the perfect pasta dish. She also provides plenty of tips and tricks for getting the most out of your pasta dishes, from cooking the pasta just right to using the right amount of seasoning. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound appreciation for pasta and the many wonderful ways in which it can be prepared.