Silly question for those with Italian moms & grandmas...

[tzolkin]

De Cecco stelette No. 75 or Barilla pastini.

https://www.barilla.com/en-us/produ...rillapastina&gclid=CImcoO3Xo84CFRWRfgodW40COQ

I always had my pantry stocked with Barilla pastina for the kids. Unfortunately, they don't carry either of those in any of the stores around here. That's why I made the suggestion to the other NC poster to try the Mexican section at Walmart.

 

[bcla]

I always had my pantry stocked with Barilla pastina for the kids. Unfortunately, they don't carry either of those in any of the stores around here. That's why I made the suggestion to the other NC poster to try the Mexican section at Walmart.

There's more, but you have to look around. Some brands are regional. Ronzoni used to be national, but I think they became more a regional brand after Hershey sold off their pasta brands.

https://www.ronzoni.com/en-us/products/3443/Pastina.aspx

 

[QueenIsabella]

It's definitely regional. I spend a lot on groceries--there are 6 of us--so I researched a little before we moved, to see what stores were down here. As it turns out, Food Lion (southern chain) is owned by the same parent company as Hannaford (based in Maine). When I lived in NH, Hannaford was a weekly stop, so it was a bit of NH when I saw the same store branding in Food Lion. But, the choices of pasta aren't the same--Hannaford used to be my "fusilli source"--they would have both the longer strands folded in half, and the shorter, tighter spirals. And Market Basket, another Northeast chain, would have literally dozens of choices of bagged pasta, in various shapes. (Oddly, not fusilli. yes, I'm a bit obsessed.)

For those who can't place the taste of authentic meatballs, it's probably the veal. Veal meatballs are to die for. I hate it, but it's true.

 

[morgan98]

It's definitely regional. I spend a lot on groceries--there are 6 of us--so I researched a little before we moved, to see what stores were down here. As it turns out, Food Lion (southern chain) is owned by the same parent company as Hannaford (based in Maine). When I lived in NH, Hannaford was a weekly stop, so it was a bit of NH when I saw the same store branding in Food Lion. But, the choices of pasta aren't the same--Hannaford used to be my "fusilli source"--they would have both the longer strands folded in half, and the shorter, tighter spirals. And Market Basket, another Northeast chain, would have literally dozens of choices of bagged pasta, in various shapes. (Oddly, not fusilli. yes, I'm a bit obsessed.)

For those who can't place the taste of authentic meatballs, it's probably the veal. Veal meatballs are to die for. I hate it, but it's true.

I 100% agree about the veal. I am also used to ground veal being part of the meat sauce and included in stuffing for homemade ravioli. For the record, I struggle with it much like you do.

We just got back from Italy at the beginning of the month. As for pasta shapes, I always bring back a small duffle bag of rice and pasta and pasta shapes I cannot normally find here. I have found some really fantastic stuff there while travelling off the beaten path.

I understand your obsession.