Grab a Fork and Twirl, October is National Pasta Month

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent survey conducted by the National Pasta Association, pasta lovers eat their favorite food seven times a month – nearly twice a week! With pasta being such a versatile, affordable and delicious dish, it is no surprise that the average American consumes 20 pounds of pasta annually. In fact, the same survey found that when asked what food they could never live without, nearly six out of ten Americans said pasta – even over chocolate!

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This October, pasta fans can celebrate their favorite cuisine as part of National Pasta Month. The National Pasta Association's Pasta Fits campaign is kicking off the celebration with many fun and appetizing activities from a national contest to find out how pasta fits into the nation's lifestyle to delicious, healthy pasta recipes created by Pasta Fits ambassador Chef Candice Kumai, author of "Pretty Delicious," co-host of Lifetime Television's hit series, "Cook Yourself Thin," chef contributor on the Cooking Channel's "Unique Eats," and Bravo's "Top Chef" alumni.

"A whole month devoted to pasta? Yes, please!" exclaims Candice Kumai, Pasta Fits ambassador. "I'm thrilled to be a part of the National Pasta Month celebration, from developing super delicious and healthy recipes to talking about how pasta fits into everyone's lifestyle. It is just one of those foods we all love, and devoting a month to pasta is the perfect way to celebrate this versatile ingredient."

Chef Kumai's Pasta Fits recipes fit into a healthy and balanced lifestyle as each recipe is less than 600 calories and includes nutritional ingredients such as fresh vegetables and lean proteins. Recipes include Pan-seared Salmon with Skinny Alfredo Fettuccine, No-fail Bowties, Zesty Pantry Pasta, Tomata Frittata, and Papperdelle with Beef Ragu.  For recipe details, please visit www.pastafits.org

Pasta Fits National photo and recipe contest finds out how pasta fits into America's diets, budgets and busy lifestyles. To enter the contest participants are asked to submit their favorite pasta recipe and a captioned photo via Facebook. In 100 words or less, the entry should effectively display and describe the fun, unique, and healthy ways that pasta has been incorporated into busy lives.

Three winners will be selected by a panel of expert judges including Chef Kumai, nutritionist Sarah Wally, and executives of the National Pasta Association based on creativity of the photo and how well the recipe reflects the essence of the Pasta Fits campaign:  delicious, healthy, budget-friendly and easy to prepare. For more information log onto www.facebook.com/pastafits

PastaFits.org provides tasty recipes, cooking tips, fun pasta facts and nutritional information. There are more than 600 pasta shapes from penne and rotini to cavatelli and farfalle. Food lovers can celebrate National Pasta Month by trying a new shape, creating a healthy twist on their favorite recipes or just learning the steps to create the perfect pasta! In addition, food fans can get daily news and updates by following @PastaFits on Twitter or visiting www.facebook.com/PastaFits.

About National Pasta Association

The NPA is the trade association for the United States pasta industry.  Founded in 1904, the NPA is comprised of manufacturing, industry supplier, and allied industry representatives.  The organization provides leadership to the industry on public policy issues, serving as its voice in Washington, D.C.  The NPA also forges alliances with key organizations, monitors and addresses technical issues, and organizes events and seminars for the industry.  For additional information, please visit: www.pastafits.org or www.facebook.com/PastaFits

Media Contact:
Stephanie Meyering / Liz Castoro
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SOURCE The National Pasta Association