In article >,
"James Silverton" > wrote:

> problem with a big enough pot. I'd always been told that the oil
> prevented the strands from sticking to each other


I think that's bogus. The only reason I might add oil to the water is
to reduce the foaming a bit ‹ to keep the pot from boiling over. And if
you use a large enough kettle that isn't even a problem.
--
Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
Holy Order of the Sacred Sisters of St. Pectina of Jella
"Always in a jam, never in a stew; sometimes in a pickle."
Pepparkakor particulars posted 11-29-2010;
http://web.me.com/barbschaller