I Heart Pasta

Pasta.
Just the word evokes comfort.  It's quintessentially Italian.  "Pasta" translates literally as "paste"- named for the starting composition in the making process.  Easy, healthy, and economical also come to mind.  How could you NOT love the stuff?

My pasta-making project led me to do some research on this food art and I've decided to share the fun and quirky sites I found.  I enjoyed making it by hand, but will also enjoy trying out a pasta attachment for a certain Artisan stand mixer waiting for me back home. :)

Joy the Baker Pasta Inspiration
Pasta 101: A Video Demonstration (with strange choir background music)
A to Z Pasta Guide
Pasta Guide by Shape
National Pasta Association

And now, just to illustrate how crazy I am for the stuff, I leave you with an inventory of my pantry...seven different types...

1. Cellentani (hollow spirals with ridges)
2. Farfalle (bow tie)
3. Lasagna
4. Mini Pipe Rigate (mini elbows with ridges)
5. Pennette Rigate (small penne with ridges)
6. Spaghetti
7. Tempestine (small round balls, similar to couscous)

Homemade Handmade Pasta

Another cooking challenge that I'm able to check off the list...homemade handmade pasta.  Now, I'm not talking about using a stand mixer with a pasta attachment.  I, or should I say "we", used our hands, a rolling pin, and old-fashioned elbow grease to crank out this pasta.   

First, I must pause and dish out some credit.  I am a regular follower of the lovely blog site called Joy the Baker.  Not only does she post witty dessert recipes, occasionally she offers insight to her other kitchen adventures such as pumpkin and butternut squash soup and homemade handmade pasta.  Her pasta post inspired me to do what I've been longing to do since I came to Italy- make pasta in my kitchen by hand.

We kneaded.

We rolled.

We cut.

We filled.

I used a ricotta-prosciutto-spinach mixture and topped it with a butter-oregano sauce... Giada's creation.

The result?  Deliciously fresh and chewy pasta. No preservatives. 

Nothing but goodness!