I had been wanting to make my own pasta for quite some time now. My husband gave me a pasta roller and cutter set for my electric stand mixer for our anniversary. I was elated and couldn’t hardly wait to start! I wanted to know what it would be like to make a pasta dish mostly made by scratch. My husband and I had gotten some tips from cooks who were familiar with the cuisine. I also obtained a marinara sauce recipe from an italian grandmother; she called her sauce gravy.

Since I got my pasta roller/cutter set, I had been waiting for the perfect day to devote to this experience. It never came around. The day I made this dish, I was occupied doing other things outside the kitchen. I didn’t know how the process was going to be and I didn’t want to make a mistake since it was that night’s meal. Chores were still undone and my girls needed lots of attention. Dinnertime was pressing. I got my girls a snack to hold them till dinner, ran the dryer, turned on some music, and I started cooking. I thought “Tonight is the night, I’m going for it!”

My husband was still not home from work, so I rushed to have some of my pasta ready. I had prepared it, rolled it and was about to cut it as he walked in the door. I shouted, “ta-da!!”. He responded with a “Hey!! Alright now!” He helped me take some pictures because this is an “all-hands-on-deck” type of job.

I had so much fun! I truly enjoyed the whole process. Next time, I’ll do nothing different because in the end it was the perfect day. My family was happy eating this delicious dinner made from the heart with love. I was amazed at my girls because they never liked spaghetti before. Points for Team-Mom! 😉

I encourage you to try something new in cooking or baking from other cultures or cuisines. It’s quite the experience. It enriches your culinary skills and introduces you to unique, rich flavors. I even go to researching the origin of ingredients in some dishes. Since I love traveling, I like to acquaint myself with other places through books and the web. It gives me insight on the people, their way of life and their cooking.

For me, mealtime is not only a time to tame hunger but it’s a time to share love on a plate.

Happy cooking and happy eating,

Liz Ray

Meat Marinara Sauce

Preparing the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 16 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 29 oz. can tomato sauce
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• Pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

In a Dutch oven or stock pot, on medium heat, saute onions in oil. Once onions appear translucent, add the crushed tomatoes. As you’re stirring add the tomato sauce and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add the brown sugar and give it a stir. Cover with lid and allow for the sauce to get to a bubbling point. Once it reaches that point, add the meat. Lower the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer.

Cooking the Meat:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian Herb seasoning

In a skillet, brown meat on medium heat. Add the onions. Season the meat with the salt, black pepper and italian herbs. Make sure meat is completely browned and all the ingredients are completely incorporated.

Meanwhile the sauce is working on getting its rich flavor, you can start with the pasta.

Basic Egg Pasta

Ingredients needed:

•  4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

 Equipment needed:

Preparing Pasta:

Place eggs, water, flour, and salt in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and flat beater. Turn to Speed 2 and mix for 30 seconds.

Exchange flat beater for dough hook. Turn to Speed 2 and knead 2 minutes. Remove dough from bowl and hand knead for 1 to 2 minutes. Let it rest for 20 minutes. Divide dough into 4 pieces before processing with Pasta Roller attachment.

Cooking Pasta: