I used to think that if you had an afternoon on your hands, making yourself some fresh pasta was a good way to spend it. Trouble was, not many people really have an afternoon to spend that way. Then came along the new electric pasta machines that make pasta in under 10 minutes! It’s hard to believe, but seeing is believing and doing really convinces you! I’ve done this with the latest electric pasta machine and it’s quite amazing. Here are some homemade pasta recipes that you can try if you have a homemade pasta machine at home. It’s Pasta Night!

 

Basic Pasta Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1/3 cup semolina flour

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup water

1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Place the semolina, all-purpose flour, and salt into the kneading chamber of the pasta machine. Turn the power on and press the “Knead” button. Allow the flour to mix for five seconds and then pour in the water and olive oil. Let the dough knead and come together in the chamber.
2. When the dough has finished kneading, change the machine to the extruding phase or, for better flavor and gluten development, let it rest for at least 30 minutes in the chamber while you prepare your pasta sauce. If you are making multiple batches of pasta, remove the dough from the pasta machine and cover it with plastic wrap.
3. When you are ready to make the pasta, attach the desired noodle mold onto the extrusion rod. Place the dough in the extrusion box and push it down with the spanner. Press the “Extrusion” button. As the pasta is extruded, sprinkle it with a little flour and toss to coat to prevent it from sticking together.
4. To cook the pasta, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer pasta in a slow boil for 2 to 3 minutes. (A full boil will break the pasta apart.) Drain and toss with olive oil or sauce.

 

Spinach Fettuccini Alfredo

Serves 4

Ingredients (per batch of pasta):

6 cups loosely packed, fresh baby spinach [Read more…]

I’ve never been one for New Year’s Eve. I’ve always found it so anti-climactic. One minute everyone is filled with excitement and anticipation. The next minute it’s all over and the truth is, it feels pretty much the same as it did the minute before, but now you’ve got to find your way home and head to bed. Anti-climactic.

I am, however, all about new beginnings and fresh starts and that is exactly what the very next day represents. January 1st. Getting up to a new year? THAT, to me, is more exciting. And what better way to start that new year than with food? So, while I will probably turn down an invitation to a New Year’s Eve party, I’ll be the first to show up at a New Year’s Day Brunch!

If you are deciding to throw your own New Year’s Day Brunch party, here are some recipe ideas for you. I like the variety that this menu presents. I also like that there’s something for everyone - the vegetarian, the meat-eater, the sweet lover and even the gluten-free guest. You can also make a lot of this ahead of time so that you can be sure to enjoy your own brunch too. [Read more…]