How to make your own Pasta.

Here is a  very easy recipe. Believe it or not Pasta is incredibly easy to make. You don't need a fancy pasta maker.( If you really want one you can get an inexpensive one for around $25.00. ) Just use a rolling pin and roll it out by hand.

• 3 cups of white flour**
• 4 eggs or 1 cup of egg substitute**

1. ** You can use Semolina flour for a more Traditional look to the Pasta. In place of Eggs, Hot water can be used. The dough will be very sticky though.
2. Make a mound of flour on your work surface/board
3. using your fingers make a well in the top, kind of like a little volcano
4. Crack the eggs into the well, using a fork break up the Yolks
5. Using your fingers begin swirling the eggs in the well mixing in the flour slowly
6. When a Paste starts to form mix in the remaining flour. Mix it together well and start kneading the dough
7. Knead for around 8 min. What you are looking for is a soft but firm ball.
8. Wrap the dough in a damp dishcloth
9. To use, cut off a piece and roll it out. Roll it until it is almost translucent.
10. Cut the dough into shapes, as needed. Try not to re-roll the dough too many times. It will get very tough.
11. To dry use either a drying rack, or just the side of a large pot
12. Cook as needed. Remember that Fresh Pasta cooks very quickly

One thing you can do is roll out the dough into 2 wide sheets about the same size. Then make Ravioli. This is really easy. If you can find one, get a ravioli maker. It kinda looks like an Ice-tray.( I found a nice one at Goodwill for $2.00. )
Filling for ravioli can be most anything. Some folks use mashed vegetables mixed with cheese or ground meat. Here is a Storage recipe I made up.

• Plain TVP
• Sun Dried Tomato
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

1. Rehydrate the TVP
2. Mix all ingredients well
3. Using a Cookie cutter or a sharp knife cut out the ravioli shapes.
4. Add a small amount of filling
5. using an egg wash or a little cold water, wet all the sides of the dough.
6. Top with another piece of dough and press together.
7. If using a Rav. Maker, cover the mold with a sheet of dough. Add the filling. wet the edges, then cover with another sheet of dough
8. Using a rolling pin, roll over the mold. The finished Ravioli will just fall off.
9. Make and Freeze until needed.

If making pasta still seems to hard to do, here is a cheater way, At the Grocery store purchase a package of Chinese Won-Ton Wrappers. Use the wrappers in place of the Dough.  Put the filling in the center, wet the edges, fold the wrapper over and press. Easy. Freeze until needed.