KateB Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 I've got pasta hanging all over my house - literally! I'm making lots to pop in the freezer but how long should I let it dry for before putting it into bags and freezing it? Last time I was a bit keen and when i took it out to cook I had pasta 'nests' where it had all stuck togeher - yuk! Many thanks, Kate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 No idea Kate, but make sure the chooks don't hear about it - there'll be non left to dry! (you clever thing making pasta) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 It's lovely, Gina, you should try it - very soothing and calming! I never dry mine Kate because we eat it all the same day (plus some for the hens of course!). I should think you leave it until it feels well dried? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romany Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 I seem to remember it being a few hours. I think I also read that if you put extra flour before cutting on it helps with the sticking, but I guess it's too late for that if you've already made it. You can also freeze it spread out on a baking tray, and then bag it once frozen, which helps to prevent it sticking together - but you need a lot of space in the freezer Good luck! PS. Thanks for reminding me that I have a pasta machine and used to love using it - somehow I got out of the habit and it's been stuck in the back of the cupboard... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Well, I think I have just been inspired to try a bit of DIY pasta. I'll definatly look into it now - thanks all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherhen Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 Don't forget you can put eggs into home made pasta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I make fresh pasta all the time with the girls eggs and it is delicious the trick when drying is to use the 00 grade flour and sprinkle lots on this stops it sticking together in a lump...........You can also put oil in the water when cooking......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KateB Posted August 23, 2005 Author Share Posted August 23, 2005 Where on earth do you get 00 flour from? Neither the Tesco's nor the Sainsbury's near me stocks it... Waitrose perhaps?? Thanks for the advice, i left it until i went to bed and popped it into the freezer - yum. It's so easy and relaxing, everyone should have a go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 00 flour is also called Pasta Flour. Dove's Farm make organic pasta flour and it's available in most supermarkets. Lovely stuff!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil & Sal Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Do you have to have a pasta machine or can you make it without (e.g. rolling pin and knife) Also anybody got a winning formula for the recipe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romany Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I can't imagine making it without a machine but I'm sure it's quite possible... As for a recipe, I'll dig one out if I get a chance later unless sombody else beats me to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I can't imagine making it without a machine... oh no...ebay here I come again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Darkened room Annie remember the mantra ebay is evil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romany Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 sounds familiar... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romany Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 oops was reply to annie's post, not louise's! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 The recipe I use is so simple - 8oz pasta flour and 2 eggs. Mix the eggs into the flour using your fingers and knead until smooth and pliable and soft as a baby's bottom. Leave to rest for 15 minutes then roll out either using a rolling pin or a pasta machine and make into whatever shape using the attachments or a sharp knife and a steady hand. Leave to dry out for a while before cooking for 2-3 minutes in boiling slightly salted water. Yum yum yum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Oh Kate, you make it sound so easy....but you do have those super knickers! Do you need a machine do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alison M Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Oh Kate, you make it sound so easy....but you do have those super knickers! Do you need a machine do you think? I think it would be a lot easier with a machine. But I love kitchen gadgets. Argos sell one Catalogue No: 840/6132 - £14.99 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I love my pasta machine. It's that one from Argos and I've had it for years now and still enjoy using it. It's definitely easier with a machine (superpants or not! ) and is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Even my boys love helping to put the dough through the rollers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 Can you get wholemeal pasta flour I wonder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 I gave up doing my own, shame as it was soo much nicer, but it was turning into a full time job the amount my lot eat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alison M Posted August 23, 2005 Share Posted August 23, 2005 As I was washing up tonight I was thinking about the threads on pasta making and in particular the treads from Kate on how to make it. I then thought about my bread maker and the recipe/instruction book that came with it. I was very pleased to find recipes for pasta and I can use the machine to make the dough. Off out tomorrow to try and find semolina flour. You're a brilliant inspiring family Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 Good luck Alison. Once you've tried homemade pasta, you won't want to eat packet stuff again! It's light years away!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murdo Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 As I was washing up tonight I was thinking about the threads on pasta making and in particular the treads from Kate on how to make it. I then thought about my bread maker and the recipe/instruction book that came with it. I was very pleased to find recipes for pasta and I can use the machine to make the dough. Off out tomorrow to try and find semolina flour. You're a brilliant inspiring family Noo - don't do it. Pasta is Therapy. 100g flour per egg (sorry Kate - translating for the modern market) depending on size. Then knead by hand. It's mindless and relaxing if you want it to be, or time to think if you don't. Re machines : apparently the pasta purist should regard the machine as anathema - the dough should be stretched , as you might with a rolling pin, rather than squeezed and crushed as with a machine. But I think there comes a point ... I always use a machine. It's about ten years old now, and it was a frightful extravagance when we got it. Everyone said it would sit in the cupboard and rust, but it's been great. Pizza is also Therapy of course (see www.pizzatherapy.com) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murdo Posted August 25, 2005 Share Posted August 25, 2005 Oh Kate, you make it sound so easy....but you do have those super knickers! Do you need a machine do you think? It is easy - eventually. I think the first time I did it it took over two hours - and we had people round waiting to eat it. Just take care not to make it too sticky the first time you do it in a machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
