Week Five: Monday (Day 21)

Today I am going to make Homemade Pasta using a recipe that a real Italian lady gave me. She even invited me over to watch and help her make it. Thank you, Guilia!

I chose this because I was lamenting that I had not stocked up on dried pasta before I began this experiment. Then, revelation hit. Pasta is made from flour and eggs. My brain began to churn. Soon the thought came: I. Have. Flour. And. Eggs.

Cool.

The Recipes

Homemade Pasta

2 ¼ C flour
3 eggs
(You can stop at the above OR you can add things. See list below.)

• Make well in center of flour and add eggs.
• Incorporate with fork about half way and then begin to knead.
• Push in finger. Should come back up slightly sticky.
• Cut in half and flatten. Knead in a little more flour.
• Fold in half and put through machine at widest setting.
• Dust with flour each time and put through 3-4 times more.
• Begin to reduce setting up to #5, dusting each time.
• Let dry for a few minutes. Repeat with other half.
• Bring water to a boil
• Carefully drop in pasta.
• Cook al dente--it won't take long at all since it's fresh.

Alfredo Sauce

1 stick butter

1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
2 cups whole milk (cream is better)
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup cheese (mozzarella is best)

• Melt butter.
• Gradually stir in flour to make roux.
• Add milk and stir constantly until smooth.
• Boil one minute. It should begin to thicken.
• Add the garlic powder and white pepper.
• Remove from heat and stir in cheese until smooth.
• Salt to taste.

LIST OF ADDITIONS for the pasta:

• 1-2 T of tomato paste
• 1-2 T of cooked, well-squeezed-out spinach
• Cracked Pepper
• Parmesan Cheese
• Cayenne
• Lemon Pepper
• Any other spice--just adjust according to heat level desired!

The Verdict:

Me: Delicious!

Hubby: I've actually missed pasta. We used to have it TOO much. This was great.