Pasta Night!

Several weeks ago, I braved the inevitable mess, and brought out the pasta machine. I had written "fresh pasta" on the menu, and I wasn't in the mood to back down from my inked commitment. Since I'm a messy pasta maker and drop a lot of it, the first step is cleaning the kitchen floor. I swept it thoroughly.

I managed to sneak the mixing of the dough past the boys, but Helen caught me right away and dragged a chair squeaky-screechy across the floor to help. Flour, salt and eggs. Maybe a little EVOO? Can't remember.

By the time I was ready to roll out the first quarter of the dough, Owen was keenly aware of what was happening. He and Helen were to swap roller duties off and on, but to Owen's great delight, Helen lost interest after her first turn.

It really is tricky to make noodles by yourself anyway, so I embraced the mess. We whooped and made up silly songs. All three kids ate as much pasta as they could get their fingers on. It was an extremely happy occasion in the life of a young child.

The finished product is always satisfying to behold. The kids agree.

Jack was content on the floor with some heavy duty equipment.

And everyone helped clean up! I may have turned on a TV program so I could finish properly, but who knows, it's such a fuzzy memory.

Lots of fun, but I probably won't do it again for a little while!