Q: Can chicken soup really cure a cold?

A: While it won’t cure a cold or the flu, chicken soup can help alleviate symptoms, according to a recent study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha. Teresa Hauguel of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ Respiratory Diseases Branch cites the study, which says common chicken-soup ingredients may have anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the movement of neutrophils, cells that cause cold symptoms.

Choosing the right pasta shape

Q: Are some pasta shapes best suited for certain sauces?

A: Yes. First consider a few key characteristics when choosing what sauce to pair with your pasta: weight, texture and toothsomeness. Your pasta shape and sauce should share at least one of these attributes — delicate pasta like pastina should be served with broth or a light sauce; textured shapes, such as fusilli, can catch a chunky sauce in their nooks and crannies; pasta with bite, such as orecchiette, stands up to hefty ingredients. Below are a few popular pasta shapes and the Martha Stewart Living test-kitchen staff’s pairings:

Pastina: chicken broth

Orecchiette: broccoli and sausage

Fusilli: basil pesto

Rigatoni: Bolognese

Spaghetti: carbonara

Linguine: clams

Reseasoning cast-iron skillets

Q: How do I know if I need to reseason my cast-iron skillet?

A: When you notice an eroded finish from acidic foods or rust from improper storage, you’ll need to reseason your pan, says Mark Kelly of Lodge Manufacturing.

First remove any rust with steel wool, and rinse the pan with warm water. Then rub vegetable oil on it and bake it upside down on the middle rack in a 350-degree oven for 1 hour. (Place a sheet of foil on the lower rack to catch any drips.)

Store the pan in a cool, dry place. To clean after use, rinse with warm water and a scrub brush (no soap). Place it on the stove over low heat for a few minutes, until dry. Oil pan, if necessary. Repeating this often will maintain the seasoning.

— Questions of general interest can be emailed to mslletters@marthastewart.com. For more information on this column, visit www.marthastewart.com.