Item: Delverde Ondine Instant No-Boil Lasagna Noodles

What you get: 8 servings

Preparation time: 24 minutes microwave, 25 minutes conventional oven

Cost: $6.49

Review: Maybe it's me, but there didn't seem to be anything more convenient about these noodles imported from Italy. The first time I tried them -- following the included English directions which call for "warming" the noodles in hot stock before you put the lasagna together -- it took twice as long as it usually does to make this traditional Italian favorite and the result was a watery, soupy mess. The second time, I used the no-boil noodles in my usual vegetable-lasagna recipe and ended up with a dish as dry as the Sahara. The pasta did offer decent flavor, but the noodles were certainly no more convenient -- especially for the price.

Pub Date: 11/04/98