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1. Tips for Al Dente Perfection

• 🔥 Water Calibration Tip: Use 1 liter of water and 10 grams of salt for every 100 grams of dry pasta. The water must be boiling vigorously before the pasta is added.
• ⏳ Cooking Timing: Cook 1-2 minutes less than the time suggested on the package. Lift and finish cooking the pasta directly in the sauce pan.
• 💧 Reserve the Water: Don’t pour out the cooking water! This starchy water is the secret to emulsifying the sauce for a perfectly **creamy** and sticking texture.

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2. Rich and Flavorful Tomato Sauce

• 🧅 Flavor Base: Always start with a soffritto (a mix of onion, carrot, and celery) sautéed slowly in olive oil before adding tomatoes.
• 🍬 Acid Balancer: If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar (or a little grated carrot) while simmering to neutralize it without changing the flavor.
• 🌿 Finishing Aroma: Add whole fresh basil leaves in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Do not cut them, only tear them by hand to prevent oxidation and a metallic taste.

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3. Mastering Cheese & Herbs

• 🧊 Parmesan Tip: Grate Parmesan cheese immediately before serving. Oxygen causes it to quickly lose its flavor and texture.
• 🐟 Cheese Rule: **Never** add Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to fish or **seafood** dishes. Use a little chopped parsley instead.
• 🧄 Garlic Prep: For a milder flavor, crush the garlic cloves and sauté them whole. For a sharper, stronger flavor, mince finely.

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4. Smart Kitchen Storage Tips

• 🌿 Freeze Herbs: Chop herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme, mix with olive oil, then freeze in an ice cube tray. Ready to use anytime!
• 🥖 Revive Stale Bread: Hard Italian bread can be revived with a little water, then baked briefly in a hot oven until crisp again.
• 🍲 Broth Stock: Freeze leftover broth in small containers. Use these frozen blocks to enhance the flavor of risotto or meat sauces.