The Mercato Atlas Pasta Maker

Another New Year's Resolution was to make my own pasta, particularly ravioli.  So my new gadget is the Marcato Atlas pasta maker, which is made in Italy.

You can find one of these in Stevens for $149, or The House of Knives for $142.

I must admit, the instructions that come with it are pretty poor.  No-where can you find how thick the pasta should be for any type of pasta you are making. So, my first efforts have been a bit of trial and error.

However, saying that, the pasta maker works well, and although there is a bit of technique needed to master (wait till you see the picture of my first attempt!), one afternoon's effort from one batch of dough has made enough fettucini for 2 meals for 2 people, and enough ravioli for two meals for 2 people as well.  Check out the what's cooking tonight - pasta section for the recipes.

For a simple pasta dough recipe, use 2 cups and 2 Tbsp 00 flour, a pinch of salt and 3 large room temperature eggs. Create a well in you flour and add the eggs.  Mix with a blunt knife, mixing in the flour gradually.  Use your hands to form a ball and knead for 5 mins.  Alternatively, you can put the eggs into your food processor and gradually add the flour to it (which is what I did). But still follow the kneading process.  Add a little flour if it gets sticky. Have fun!