By User:Kristenmollica @timeAndDate(1272988892)
You have finally accepted the fact that pasta is quite possibly one of the best foods of all time. So many shapes, so many sauces, so little stomach room. Learning to make your own pasta has many benefits. Not only can you control the freshness of the ingredients, but you can also determine how thick, or thin, the pasta will be. Homemade pasta is also lighter and will take less time to cook, and is much tastier! Before we learn how to make grandma's secret sauce, let's learn about pasta machines.
Types of Pasta Makers
There are two types of pasta makers: '''manual''' and '''electric'''. Don't assume that electric is the better way to go. A manual pasta maker uses a hand crank to churn and flatten the dough. This is the way your greatgrandmother back in Italy was making pasta. A manual offers you the versatility to shape your pasta, but you may need an extra hand to catch the pasta as it is rolled out. This is why children are useful!
An electric pasta maker, on the other hand, does all the work for you. All wet and dry ingredients are placed into the machine and presto! Homemade pasta in half the time. Electric makers come with discs to give you a variety of shapes. A good electric pasta maker can cost between $150$100.
I Can't Decide!
Not sure if you're Italian enough to handle a manual? Ask yourself these questions to help you choose:
* Do I have someone to help me with a manual?
* Can I devote more than 20 minutes to making pasta?
* Do I want to impress my Italian motherlaw?
* Could I benefit from the arm exercise?
* Would I prefer being in complete control of shape, size, and thickness rather than trust a machine?
Accessories
Besides ingredients for making authentic sauce (no jarred sauce allowed!), there are a few other items you should invest in.
* A pasta drying rack is a must have so you don't make a mess of your counters.
* Prefer ravioli? Get a ravioli press and make a dozen ravioli at once. Or try a ravioli rolling pin instead.
* Depending on what pasta maker you choose, most come with extra attachments you can purchase to make different pasta shapes.
* A hand mixer or a food processor is a big help when making your dough.
* Now you'll just need a pasta bowl, a fork, grated cheese, an empty stomach, and lots of wine!
