There are some kitchen basics which can wow your family, friends and dinner guests.

Some of these I have done, but not nearly enough. And it's time to get back to those basics.

This article from the Los Angeles Times talks about making some 2013 culinary resolutions.

A couple of those ideas can be fun and easy for those working in kitchens across northeast Wisconsin.

The first is fresh pasta. Here is a recipe that anyone can make. It involves using basic ingredients, without needing a pasta maker.

Once you've made the dough, the possibilities are endless. In fact, fresh pasta cooks way faster than boxed, dried pasta. So you can enjoy even sooner than before.

Another one is wontons. Wonton wrappers (frozen) can be bought in stores locally. One of the best ones is at Woodman's. Pick up a package or two.

When you're ready to experiment, the possibilites (again) are endless. Savory ones, traditional pot stickers, wontons, gyoza, etc. I've even used fruit jellies to make dessert wontons, served with fresh whipped cream, powdered sugar and chocolate sauce.

Taking the time to try these basics will widen your horizons as a culinarian.