Dried Pasta

Ingredients
1/2 pound any small filled pasta
oil for frying
1/3 cup Parmesan
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
garlic salt

Directions
If pasta doesn't feel moist and supple, cover with boiling water and let stand until softened, about 5 minutes then drain. Spread soaked pasta on a 10x15" baking pan lined with paper towels. Blot pasta gently; let dry 5 minutes. (If pasta feels moist, omit soaking and drying step.) Meanwhile, place 1/3 of the pasta in a skillet with heated oil. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp, 2-3 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain. Serve or keep warm in a 200 degree oven up to 30 minutes while frying remaining pasta. In a bag, mix cheese, basil, cayenne, and garlic salt to taste. Add warm pasta and shake to coat. Pour into bowl. Offer pasta with sauce for dipping.