DI MARTINO: Pasta Farfalle, 1 lb

Short cut originating from hand-made pasta cut in squares and pinched in the middle to form a butterfly shape. The difference between the substantial central part and the thinner end of the "wings" delights the palate. This joyous shape flits from one recipe to another but lends itself particularly well to cold pasta salads with everything your imagination can conjure up: cherry tomatoes or other vegetables, basil, mint, capers, tuna, fresh cheeses, the more the merrier.