Children love to mush and sculpt play dough so why not introduce them to making their own pasta from dough. This fettucine recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients. It’s a great way to get kids acquainted with the kitchen and familiar with nutrition and meal preparation. Top this fresh pasta with a basil pesto or marinara sauce and you’ll feel like you took a trip to Italy.
CookingWithKids.org is a great website for kid-friendly recipes that inspire children to cook. The organization offers instruction in both English and Spanish and for children ages 4-18. Any instructions that call for use of a sharp object or hot stove top should be reserved for parents or older children.
Fettucine
Ingredients
2 cups unbleached white flour
2 cups semolina flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon olive oil
⅔ cup water + 2 tablespoons
Pasta Making Instructions
Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the white flour, semolina flour, and salt.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, and water.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir together until a rough-looking dough forms.
Step 4: On a clean, lightly floured work surface knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is no longer sticky.
Step 5: Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Cut the dough into 16 equal pieces.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Measure 12 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 2: Add ½ teaspoon salt.
Step 3: Add the fettuccine and stir once.
Step 4: Cook the pasta over high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until “al dente.”
Step 5: Drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 6: Serve immediately.
To make it your own, encourage your child to pick out a veggie or cheese to add to the pasta. Alfredo tastes great with sauteed spinach, onions and garlic, topped with parmesan cheese.
