Fresh Homemade Pasta

There are great dry pastas out there that can be bought at supermarkets and/or specialty stores, but nothing beats the tenderness and perfect bite of homemade pasta. It is incredibly easy to make, despite of all the misconceptions out there of hours in the kitchen spent kneading and pulling pasta. One pound can feed a family of four. Of course it is even easier to make if you own a pasta rolling machine, however, you can always roll it out with a trusty hand roller, and it will come out equally delicious.

Ingredients:

3 1⁄2 cups + 1⁄4 cup (separated) of all-purpose flour
4 eggs
2 tablespoons of room temperature water

Preparation:

1. On a clean counter place 3 1⁄2 cups of flour, in the shape of a dome.

2. Create a hole in the middle of the dome and pour the eggs in. With a standard size fork begin to pull the flour into the eggs with a light circular motion. When the eggs and the flour have all come together forming a dough, check to see if it feels a bit dry. If so, add water, one tablespoon at a time.

3. Start to knead and do so for about 6 minutes, allowing the pasta to gain elasticity. DO NOT OVER KNEAD- it will turn into rubber. Use the extra flour as needed.

4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap, and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. When ready roll and shape as desired. You can cut the dough with a knife into long strips, thin or thick, make shapes - whatever you like!

5. Cook as you would any pasta, keeping in mind that fresh pasta does not need as long to cook, so keep an eye on it while it's on the stove.

Serve with your favorite protein, vegetables, sauce or just freshly grated cheese.

Seriously, get good cheese. You just made homemade pasta!