The president of Barilla, the world's biggest pasta maker, explained his company would never make ads that portrayed gay families and now activists around the world are proposing a boycott against Barilla products, which include the 'Mulino Bianco' line of biscuits and kids' snacks. The protest became a trending topic on Twitter shortly after Barilla's remarks aired, with the hashtag #boicottabarilla. "I would never make a spot with a homosexual family. Not out of a lack of respect but because I don't see it like they do. (My idea of) family is a classic family where the woman has a fundamental role," said Guido Barilla on Italian radio program La Zanzara. "We have a different concept with regard to the gay family. For us, the concept of the sacred family remains a fundamental value of the company". After his comments hit the press, he took to Twitter to apologize for the misstep, tweeting: "I apologize very much for having offended the sensibilities of many. I have the deepest respect for all the people without distinction." The controversy was soon turned into an occasion for other pasta competitors to exploit by clarifying and stating where they stand on this issue and, most importantly, propose their products as an alternative to those who want to boycott Barilla. Buitoni, published on its Facebook page a photo of an open door with a caption saying: "A Casa Buitoni c’è posto per tutti". (In the Buitoni home there is room for everybody.) A good occasion to make people forget about the February horse meat pasta scandal, they were caught up in. Many people posted on the De Cecco pasta Facebook page with comments like : "De Cecco is a much finer pasta product that does not define who your family is but what your dinner is!" Garofalo pasta stated: “A noi non importa con chi la fai, l’importante e’ che la fai al dente” (We don’t care who you prepare it with, as long as you cook it ‘al dente’.). As at ITALY Magazine, we think this is turning a serious issue into a marketing viral war, we suggest you make your own pasta, just get yourself a packet of good flour and some eggs, follow our recipe below and you will be sure to make great pasta that will agree completely with both your palate and your political views.
Tagliatelle Fatte in Casa
Ingredients (enough for four people)
Every Italian has his/her own way of making pasta but, in general, it is one egg and 100g of plain flour per person.
300g flour
3 eggs (or one goose egg!)
Pinch of salt
1 litre boiling salted water
Pile some of the flour onto your board and make a well in the middle. (You can use all the flour, but it is a good idea to leave some back for adding later to make sure you get the correct consistency). Break the eggs into the well and add the salt.
Either with a fork or your hands, gradually incorporate the flour. Keep adding flour until the mixture is of the correct consistency - basically a soft dough. Knead the dough with the heel of your hand until it is smooth and elastic, and then leave it to rest for about 10 minutes. Place the dough on a board or work surface and start rolling away from you.
When the dough is very thin, about 2mm, fold it, then cut into strips and cover them with a tea-towel until they are ready to use. To cook the pasta, make sure a large pan of salted water is at a rolling boil and then cook for a few minutes, until the tagliatelle come to the surface. Traditionally, tagliatelle is served simply with butter and parmesan cheese or a ragù. It is also wonderful with funghi porcini or tartufo (truffle) sauce. Buon appetito!
