Where to Find Fresh Pasta Sheets

Question: I have never been able to find pasta sheets in any supermarket or specialty store. Can you suggest where I might buy some? I’m almost prepared to drive anywhere to get them.

Answer: It might be necessary to do some driving, since we were unable to find a source for the pasta sheets in Palm Desert, where you live. The best sources are fresh pasta stores. Here are three that we know sell pasta by the sheet: The Pasta Shoppe, 1964 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 668-0458; Al Dente, 11092 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, (213) 598-1124; Russo’s Pasta Shop, 270 N. Camino Real, Encinitas, (619) 753-6867.

Q: Can orange and lemon juice and peel be frozen? If so, how long would they be all right in the freezer?

A: According to information from Sunkist Growers, “Fresh-squeezed lemon and Valencia orange juice may be frozen for up to four months. Navel orange juice may become bitter. It’s especially handy to freeze citrus juice in ice cube trays. Pre-measure the volume of each ice cube compartment so that you know exactly how much juice is in each cube. When a recipe calls for just a few tablespoons of fresh juice, you’ll be prepared. For convenient storage, remove hardened juice cubes from trays and place in plastic bags in the freezer. Larger quantities of orange juice will separate, so shake or stir before using.”

Barbara Robison, Sunkist’s Consumer Services manager, tells us that grated orange and lemon peels can also be frozen several months if kept below -10 degrees. The thawed peel may be a little softer, but flavor should be approximately the same. The grated peels can also be dried. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees one hour. Store in a tightly covered container.

Q: I have several European cookbooks that give oven temperatures in Celsius rather than Fahrenheit. Can you tell me how to convert one to the other?

A: To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by nine, divide by five and add 32. To convert Fahrenheit into Celsius, subtract 32, multiply by five and divide by nine. Here are some common equivalents:

300 degrees F. - 149 degrees C.

350 degrees F. - 177 degrees C.

400 degrees F. - 205 degrees C.

450 degrees F. - 232 degrees C.

Q: What is the best way to grind hazelnuts? I have tried several methods with little success: food processor (they just stuck on the blade); meat grinder (they jammed inside and I was starting to extract oil); mouli food grater (large chunks fell between the grating drum and holder, but what it grated was fine).

A: The nuts can be successfully ground in a food processor. Try beginning with 1/2-second on-off pulses until the nuts begin to chop, or drop them through the shoot with the motor running. If the nuts still stick to the blade, perhaps it has become dull and needs to be replaced.