every year, my old college roommates and i exchange secret barbie gifts. it’s secret barbie because we used to live in the barbie dream house (aka the BDH). you probably don’t want to or need to know more, but if you do, see post from oct 28 of last year for more weird details. anyways, this year, sami got me a pasta maker. how hipsterish - i love it.

so, on sunday, jason and i decided to put it to use. start from scratch on everything - the pasta (obviously) and the sauce. here is our step by step adventure (makes two servings):

step 1: combine 2 cups flour and 2 eggs in a bowl. that’s it. that is how you make pasta.

step 2: mix it all together with a fork.

step 3: prepare to knead dough. take off excessive amount of rings.

step 4: knead dough with hands. use extra flour.

step 5: roll into log on counter top.

step 6: cut into pieces and put into pasta machine. crank!

step 7: take at least one hipster photo.

step 8: let pasta sit on a damp paper towel for an hour.

meanwhile, make homemade sauce. 

step 9: chop up bell peppers (3/4 cup), garlic (2 tablespoons), kalamata olives (1/2 cup), and basil (1/2 cup). grate parmesan cheese and feta cheese (1/2 cup each). 

step 10: fry up peppers with a little bit of oil for 10-12 minutes. 

step 11: put two pots on the stove. in one, boil water. in the other, dump all vegetables minus the basil + 1/2 a jar of sun dried tomatoes and a can of diced tomatoes. once water boils in the first one, add in the homemade pasta.

step 11b: whine that it is taking too long. pour wine. stop whining.

step 12: let the sauce reduce for 15 minutes. once the pasta is done, strain it.

step 13: once the sauce has thickened, add in basil and cheese.

step 14: combine pasta and sauce. make it look pretty.

step 15: prove how good it is.

awesome gift, sami! excited to make more complex and tasty treats…so you should probably come visit and enjoy your own present.