HOMEMADE PASTA

Be sure that your eggs are at room temperature (as well as your other ingredients).

2 ½ C whole grain flour
4 large eggs
2 t olive oil

Place flour on the counter and make a well in the center. The bottom of a one cup dry measure works nicely for this.

Break the eggs into the well and add the oil. Beat eggs and oil with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour.

Knead until smooth and elastic. It should not be sticky or dry.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes. At this point you may wrap in a plastic wrap or zip lock bag and keep in the refrigerator if you need to wait until the next day to process the dough. Be sure to set the dough out until it has reached room temperature before proceeding.

Process as desired. I have an atlas 150 pasta machine and really love it. Previous to having my pasta machine I used a rolling pin and a knife, but if you are going to get serious about making pasta, the machine is well worth the investment. They can be ordered from Lehman's.

Pasta can be dried and kept for about one week, or cooked right away. If you are cooking it imediatly, be aware that fresh pasta cooks very quickly. It only takes a moment or two in boiling water.