But, I just haven't gotten around to using it. Sometimes I have a hard time learning new things when I have (intense) helpers doing everything but what they should be doing. And I didn't want to make pasta after they go to bed. What's the point in making it if you can't enjoy it ASAP? I really wanted to try it. I just hadn't made it a priority.
A good friend was talking about making pasta at our "Never Need to Read the Book Bookclub". She knows me well, as evidenced by: "Jackie, I can't believe you haven't done it. Do it. It's easy. You'll love it."
I knew she was right. I must try it. I mean, what am I waiting for? I have all these eggs that need using up anyway. And February is, without doubt, the best month to be trying out new things given the unpredictable weather. And *just like that*, I made it a priority. The next snowday, homemade pasta was my agenda. (Thanks for the push, Susie!)
And let me tell you, it was a bit overwhelming the first time. I had three pairs of hands, that's six hands total, all in the dough at the same time, doing something else. Everyone was so excited, I didn't want to crush that excitement, but my oh my!
My husband walked into find me in a disheveled mess, with everything hardly in control, and did with the best of sous chefs do-grab the camera. Although I *might* have been slightly annoyed in the moment, I am glad he captured our first time pasta making journey.
And you know, it really is fun once you get into the swing of things. The first time was a trite cumbersome, but the second time, I made homemade lasagna noodles for Butternut Squash Lasagna (HEAVENLY!). Once you get the hang out it, you can whip up a batch in no time. And it's soooo good! I think boxed pasta is (mostly) in my past now. One more thing checked off that to do list. (Pictures first. Recipes at end.)
Recipes
2 cups flour
3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp olive oil
In kitchen aid, using hook attachment, dump flour on bottom. Place eggs, salt, olive oil on top of flour. Using hook attachment, knead it until it sticks to the hook. (You may need a bit more flour or a splash of water depending on humidity of the day).
Divide into 4s, flour so not sticky. Cover pieces you aren't using. Flaten the one you are. Pull through pasta maker at thickest, moving to thinnest setting. Boil for 3 minutes. Drain. Serve straight away.
1 onion
splash olive oil
3 cloves garlic
3 cans high quality canned tomatoes (don't buy the cheapest!)
1 carrot
salt
sugar
oregano
parsley
basil
crushed red pepper
Caramelize onions in oil. Add garlic and sauté for another minute. Add canned tomatoes. Add peeled whole carrot (it sucks up bitterness, according to the Italians. I think it's true!). Let simmer for the day. At end of the day, flavor with salt, sugar if you like a sweet sauce, oregano, parsley, basil and crushed red pepper. Enjoy!
