PASTA!

I took a pasta making class last week at a new kitchen store that opened this fall called "sur la table".  I had a blast and ended up turning in my new hand crank pasta maker and buying the kitchenaid attachment as the hand crank is nearly impossible to use with one person...I didn't want to have to depend on a second set of hands to make the pasta when I make it.  I am so very happy with my decision!

Tonight, I replicated a recipe that we made in the class.  It was a basic dough cut into fettucini noodles with a pesto of walnuts, parmesan, a little cream and sage.  The family LOVED it.  Bonus: it was just as easy to make, if not easier, than in the class!

My goal was to master a basic recipe and then try to make the dough as healthful as possible, going towards high protein and very low gluten if not gluten free. I'd call tonight's dough an absolute success- it came out just as it should.

Next stop...vamping up the health factor!!  I will keep you posted.  If I never improve from here (which I doubt will be the case), at least I can say I know how to make a wholesome fresh pasta that is preservative free and uses whole grains and it takes hardly any time at all to do it.

I love love LOVE my time in the kitchen and this is just one more thing to get excited about!