Pasta machine help

[juliew]

I'm thinking about buying a pasta machine - but DH and I both work full time. Is it cost (time and money) efficient to buy a machine when a bag of pasta here is $1? Is fresh pasta that much better? And what sort of machines would you recommend?

[holleegee]

I have a kitchenaid mixer with the pasta attachments....We love it! Once you have fresh pasta regular pasta is kind of blah. It really only takes maybe 15 minutes (not counting resting time for the dough) to make it fresh. We have fresh pasta (whole wheat) at least once a week maybe more.

[Shawna]

ITA with holleegee about the kitchenaid (it's what I have as well). Homemade pasta doesn't compare with store-bought. It's not nearly as starchy, you can add whatever you want to it (beet puree, carrot puree, spinach, etc) and it's the best! I also use mine to roll out things like homemade crackers; graham crackers, cheddar (like cheese-its), saltines, etc. I have even used it to roll out pie dough to make handpies.

Once you get the hang of how the dough is suppose to feel when you use it, then you can make large batches of pasta and either dry it or freeze it.

Good luck!
Shawna

[ldc]

Also, originally in Italy pasta was made from barley flour, so depending upon your taste you could try this, and other flours easily with your own machine at home. ldc

[claytonpiano]

I bought a pasta machine that had never been used at a yard sale for $5. We love it! I concur that the homemade pasta is fantastic. My machine does the mixing and extruding for me. It is really easy to use. That said.....I still have store bought pasta in my pantry. There are always times when I am in a huge hurry and just need to grab something.

Still, if you eat a lot of pasta, I'd buy the machine!!

[Ann Mary]

claytonpiano, I will p.m. you. Thanks! Ann Mary

[jross]

Also good for perogies.