Adventures in Pasta Making!

One of my favorite cuisines to eat and to cook is regional Italian. Specifically, I adore fresh pasta. I think it's a great canvas for delicious, simple flavors that Italian cooks are known for. Recently I've been educating myself, trying to learn more about pasta. I've attempted to make fresh pasta from scratch several times over the last few years and I can't seem to get it quite right. But, a few nights ago, I ventured back into the world of fresh pasta. I think I'm coming a lot closer to getting it right. Well, I'm closer than I've ever been. I'll say that much.

I chose to make ravioli this time around. My dad prefers meat fillings, while my mother and I prefer cheese fillings. So I made some of each. I used sweet sausage, herbs and spices, and a bit of marscapone cheese for the meat filled ravioli. For the cheese filled ravioli I used ricotta, parmigiano reggiano, marscapone, herbs and spices, 1 egg, and a bit of seasoned breadcrumbs to thicken the mixture. For the dough, I tried to take a traditional approach so I followed the directions that came with my pasta machine (which is from Italy). The recipe called for 500 grams of flour and 5 whole eggs. I worked the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes before rolling it out, cutting it, and filling it.

All-in-all, it was a great experience and the ravioli tasted awesome. I was very proud of myself! I know I'm giving you the "Cliff's Notes" version of my little adventure, but I'm not really prepared to share a recipe with you. I'll leave the pasta recipes to the professionals, for now. I'm still learning. BUT! I do have pictures to share, so here you go!




<3 Elle

Doot do-doot do do...

Not much to report, currently. I'm still waiting to hear back from the bakery- still holding out hope for that job opportunity. Beyond that, I will continue on in the hunt for gainful employment. It's proving difficult, but I won't give up. Someone out there wants to hire me. They just haven't met me yet.

Oh! Howie and I have started recording The Geeky Gourmet again. We're a bit out of sync, but a little practice will get us right back in to a rhythm. Unfortunately, Howie is having serious issues with his sound/recording equipment or possibly something else entirely. He's going to have to rewire his entire office tonight and hopefully fix the problem. With that said, we have yet to complete a new installment of our show. HOWEVER! Once his computer issues are resolved, we'll be back!

My apologies for not having anything fun or exciting to report. I will have something a bit more stimulating to write about next time, because I'm going on another wonderful adventure in the world of pasta making tonight! It is my intention to create delicious, homemade ravioli and marinara. I'll let you know just how delicious (or disastrous) this all turns out.

Elle

________________________________________________

Elle's Adventures in Dining out (or eating in)

Central, South Carolina (another for the locals)
Taco Loco
This small, unassuming "dive" is located in an old strip mall. You most likely would not even notice it if someone didn't make you aware of it's presence next to the Dollar General. The owners are originally from California and they've brought with them some of the best burritos I've ever had. Of course it helps that they make their own tortillas and sauces in-house. Everything is fresh and cooked to order. If you want something a little different, try a torta- a Mexican sub sandwich. You'll love every bite!
Price range: $5 to $10
Dine in, carry out