Thursday, October 25, 2018

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How to Make Homemade Pasta

Posted: 25 Oct 2018 05:00 PM PDT

Homemade pasta takes considerable time to make, but you can prepare your own with a few simple ingredients and a little patience. Pasta is also easy to alter according to taste. The trick to forming any type of pasta is in mixing the dough to the proper consistency and cutting it into manageable shapes. This article will provide you with instructions you can follow to prepare a basic pasta, as well as a few variations you can try for something new.

EditIngredients

EditBasic Dough

Makes 4 servings

  • 14 oz (400 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) water, if needed

EditVariations for Basic Dough

  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) frozen cooked leaf spinach
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
  • 1 red beet or 2 Tbsp (30 ml) grated cooked beet
  • 1 medium sweet potato or 2 Tbsp (30 ml) sweet potato puree
  • 3 Tbsp (45 ml) green herbs (oregano, parsley, cilantro)

EditGluten-Free Dough

Makes 2 servings

  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) ground flax seed
  • 6 Tbsp (90 ml) warm water
  • 1 3/4 cup (440 ml) chickpea flour

EditSteps

EditMaking Basic Dough[1]

  1. Mix the flour and salt. Combine the sifted flour and salt until evenly distributed.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • If you plan on mixing the dough entirely by hand, combine the flour directly on a well-floured counter. Afterward, use the flour to form a mound with a crater in the top.
    • If you plan to use a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt inside the bowl of the stand mixer.
  2. Break the eggs into the flour mound. Add the eggs to the flour, breaking them into the crater at the top of your flour mound on the counter.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • If using a stand mixer, you can break the eggs into the flour anywhere.
  3. Mix until smooth. Slowly combine the flour into the eggs using your fingers. Continue mixing in this manner until the dough comes together.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • If using a stand mixer, combine the ingredients with a paddle or dough hook attachment until the dough comes together.
  4. Knead for at least 3 minutes. Knead the dough using the heel of your hand until it feels very smooth and no longer feels sticky.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • If using a stand mixer, turn the dough out on a well-floured counter and knead for 3 minutes.
    • If the dough still feels sticky, knead in an additional sprinkle of flour.
  5. Let the dough sit for 1 hour. Wrap the dough in wax paper and let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Note that the dough can sit out at room temperature for several hours.
    • The dough should not be refrigerated.

EditBasic Dough Variations

  1. Make spinach dough.[2] Before adding the egg, mix pureed spinach into the flour, creating a green dough.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Puree 3/4 cup (180 ml) frozen cooked leaf spinach in a food processor or blender. Squeeze the spinach before and after to remove excess moisture.
    • Mix the spinach puree into the flour before proceeding with the basic dough recipe as usual.
  2. Color the dough with tomato. Tomato paste can be mixed into the flour alongside the egg to create a red pasta.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Add 2 Tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste to the flour as you add the eggs.
    • Reduce the number of eggs from four to three.
    • Continue the recipe as usual.
  3. Use beets in your basic dough. Roasted beets can be mixed into the flour alongside the eggs, but you will need to puree or grate the beets first.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Roast the beet in a 400 degree Fahrenheit (205 degree Celsius) oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until soft. Let sit until cool to the touch.
    • Grate or puree the beet in a food processor.
    • Add 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of the beet to the flour alongside the eggs.
    • Reduce the number of eggs from four to three.
    • Continue preparing the pasta as usual.
  4. Make sweet potato pasta. You can add sweet potato paste to the dough alongside the egg, as well.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Puncture a medium sweet potato several times with a fork.
    • Microwave the sweet potato on high for 4 to 5 minutes, or until soft.
    • Puree the sweet potato in a food processor or blender.
    • Add 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of the sweet potato paste to the flour when you add the eggs.
    • Reduce the number of eggs from four to three.
    • Prepare the remaining recipe as usual.
  5. Prepare a simple herbed pasta. Chopped fresh herbs can be added to the flour with the salt.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Use green herbs, like oregano, parsley, and cilantro. You can use a single herb or mix-and-match as desired.
    • Use at least 3 Tbsp (45 ml). More can be added to taste, if desired.
    • Mix the herbs into the flour before adding the eggs. Continue with the rest of the recipe as usual.

EditGluten-Free Dough[3]

  1. Whisk together the flax seed and water. Combine the flax seed and water in a small bowl and set aside for about 5 minutes.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • The mixture should thicken, turning into a gel consistency.
  2. Pile the chickpea flour onto the counter. Create a small indentation or well in the center top of the mound.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • This dough is a little more fragile than the basic dough, so it is recommended that you mix it by hand instead of using a stand mixer.
  3. Combine the flour and flax seed mixture. Spoon the flax seed gel into the flour mound. Gently bring the walls of the flour well in, combining the flour with the flax seed gel evenly.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • Only mix the dough as long as necessary for it to come together.
  4. Let rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Wrap the dough in wax paper or plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • This dough can stay out longer than 30 minutes, but the gel may begin to break down if you leave it out for more than a few hours.
    • Do not refrigerate the dough.

EditRolling Out the Dough

  1. Flour the counter. Sprinkle the counter with enough flour to coat it lightly yet evenly.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • Even though the dough should not be very sticky at this point, as you work with it, the heat from your hands will cause the dough to begin sticking more. Flouring the counter minimizes this effect.
  2. Cut the dough into several pieces. Use a knife to cut the dough into 6 to 8 even pieces.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 16 Version 2.jpg
  3. Pass the dough through a pasta machine. The easiest way to flatten pasta dough is with a pasta machine. Flatten each piece of dough one at a time.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 17 Version 2.jpg
    • Start by passing through one portion of dough through the pasta machine on the widest setting.
    • Fold the dough in half before passing it through again. Repeat once more on the widest setting
    • Pass the dough through the pasta machine several more times, closing the opening by one notch for each pass. Continue until your pasta is as thin as desired.
    • Repeat with each section of dough.
  4. Alternatively, roll the dough flat using a rolling pin. Use a floured rolling pin to roll out each portion of dough as flat as possible.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 18 Version 2.jpg
    • Make sure that both the surface and rolling pin are well-floured.
    • Roll the pasta dough as thin as you think possible. If it is not paper thin at this point, push yourself past your comfort zone and keep rolling until the dough becomes even thinner.

EditShaping the Pasta

  1. Cut the pasta into strips. The simplest way to cut pasta is to cut it into strips. You can use your pasta machine if it has an attachment, but if not, you can cut the pasta easily using a smooth kitchen knife or pizza cutter.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 19 Version 2.jpg
    • Create lasagna noodles by cutting the pasta into 3-inch (7.6-cm) strips.
    • Capellini and fettuccine strips are only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, if not smaller.
    • Spaghetti noodles are the thinnest and should be less than 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) wide.
  2. Make garganelli pasta.[4] Garganelli pasta is shaped like small tubes.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 20 Version 2.jpg
    • Cut the pasta into 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7.6 cm) squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
    • Wrap each square around a clean wooden skewer or chopstick.
    • Press the overlapping corners together to form the tube shape.
  3. Form farfalle pasta. Farfalle pasta is better known as "bow tie" pasta.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 21 Version 2.jpg
    • Cut out rectangles measuring roughly 3 inches (7.6 cm) long and 2 inches (5 cm) wide. Use a knife or pizza cutter.
    • Pinch the rectangles together in the middle.
  4. Coat your pasta noodles in flour. Toss your pasta in flour as soon as you finish forming it.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 22 Version 2.jpg
    • This is especially important if you plan on drying and saving the pasta. Otherwise, the pasta will stick together as it dries.

EditCooking the Pasta

  1. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. Fill your saucepan with cold water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 23 Version 2.jpg
    • Add salt to the water to prevent the pasta from sticking as it cooks.
  2. Cook the pasta for 2 to 3 minutes. Add your pasta to the water and cook, stirring occasionally. Check for doneness after the first 3 minutes, and continue cooking until done.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 24 Version 2.jpg
    • The pasta will be done once it feels soft but no longer sticky.
    • The vegan pasta will usually be done completely after the first 3 minutes.
    • Note that the length of time needed for the pasta to cook will vary depending on how large the pieces are.
  3. Drain. Pour the contents of the saucepan through a colander.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 25 Version 2.jpg
    • Serve cooked pasta with butter or sauce as desired.

EditAdditional Homemade Pasta Recipes

  1. Make noodles from wheat flour. If you're looking for a healthier version of traditional pasta, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 26 Version 2.jpg
  2. Create healthier buckwheat pasta. Buckwheat pasta is a traditional homemade pasta made in the Lombardy region of Italy. Use buckwheat flour to make it.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 27 Version 2.jpg
  3. Prepare a batch of egg noodles using your food processor. Egg noodles can be prepared using a food processor if you don't have a stand mixer available for use.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 28 Version 2.jpg
  4. Use your bread machine to prepare pasta dough. A bread machine can also be used to simplify the process of mixing pasta dough.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 29 Version 2.jpg
  5. Try making ravioli. Stuffed pastas are a little more complex than their non-stuffed counterparts, but you can still make your own pasta dough and cheese filling at home without too much difficult.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 30 Version 2.jpg
  6. Make macaroni pasta. Macaroni pasta can be tricky to form, but the concept is fairly simple. Form tubes of pasta dough and bend the tubes slightly to give them the trademark macaroni shape.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 31 Version 2.jpg
  7. Prepare large batches of Yi min noodles. These noodles are made from wheat flour and tend to be fairly chewy once cooked. The pasta can be somewhat tricky to work with, but once you learn how to make these noodles, you can make large batches with ease.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 32 Version 2.jpg
  8. Try making gnocchi. Gnocchi are a cross between pasta and dumplings. These tiny bits of pasta are made with potatoes, eggs, and flour.
    Make Homemade Pasta Step 33 Version 2.jpg

EditThings You'll Need

  • Stand mixer
  • Pasta machine
  • Kitchen knife or pizza cutter
  • Rolling pin
  • Large saucepan

EditSources and Citations


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How to Apply Matte Liquid Lipstick

Posted: 25 Oct 2018 09:00 AM PDT

Matte liquid lipstick is all the rage, and if you want to jump on this trend you'll need to know how to apply it properly. Luckily, it only takes a few simple steps to rock this look like a pro!

EditSteps

EditPrepping Your Lips

  1. Exfoliate your lips. It's essential to start with smooth lips when you plan to wear a matte lipstick. You can buy a lip scrub, make your own, or simply use a washcloth or toothbrush to slough off dry or dead skin. Pat your lips dry with a towel when you're done.[1]

    • For a homemade lip scrub, mix together of honey and 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) of brown sugar in a small bowl. You can also add 1 drop of vanilla extract for flavor and a nice scent. Use clean fingers to scrub the mixture over your lips. Rinse it away with warm water.[2]
  2. Apply a moisturizing balm. Matte liquid lipstick stays on all day, which means it can be drying. Moisturize your lips before applying the lipstick to ensure they stay soft and smooth. Choose a lip balm that isn't greasy or oily, such as 1 that is wax-based, and thinly coat your lips with it. You can blot your lips with a tissue after applying the balm, if desired.[3]

  3. Put on lip primer. A lip primer ensures your lipstick will stay in place and not bleed or melt during the day. Simply swipe your favorite lip primer over your lips, much as you did with the balm. It may become tacky after a minute or 2, which helps the liquid lipstick adhere to it.[4]

  4. Line your lips, then fill them in. Lip liner is used to define the shape of your lips. Choose a liner that is the same shade or slightly lighter than your lipstick.[5] Start at the center of your top lip, called the Cupid's bow, and outline each side. Then, outline your bottom lip and use the liner to completely fill in your lips.[6]

    • If you want an extra playful pout, you can make your lips "overdrawn," which means making them look a little bigger by drawing the lip liner just outside your natural lip line. Be careful not to overdo it, though!

EditAdding Lipstick

  1. Use short strokes to apply 1 coat of liquid lipstick. Wipe excess lipstick off the applicator on the side of the tube opening or on a paper towel. Begin applying the lipstick at your Cupid's bow and work your way out toward the edges of your top lip. Then, move to your bottom lip and, again, work from the center out. Short strokes will help you achieve a more even color.[7]

    • Be careful to avoid getting any excess product on your skin, as it may stain.
  2. Avoid rubbing your lips together. Though it may be instinctive to rub your lips together to blend your lipstick, do your best to avoid the temptation. Matte liquid lipstick is similar to paint, so rubbing your lips together can lead to smeared, uneven color. You could use your finger tip to blend uneven areas, if desired, but it's best to just let the lipstick dry on its own.[8]

  3. Apply a second coat, if desired. Usually, 1 coat of matte liquid lipstick will be enough. If you think it's too transparent, though, you can add a second coat. Do this immediately after the first coat, or you risk messing up the drying process. Apply a second coat in the same manner as the first.[9]

  4. Blot your lips for an extra-matte finish. If you want a less opaque finish or love a super matte look, you can blot your lips immediately after applying the lipstick. Open your mouth and hold a tissue between your lips, then lightly press them together onto the tissue. Discard the tissue when you're done.[10]

  5. Fix mistakes with cold cream or concealer. If you try to rub the lipstick off of the outside of your mouth, you'll end up with a smeared mess! Instead, dip a precision-tip cotton swab in cold cream and use it to clean off the mistakes.[11] Alternatively, dab a little concealer around your mouth and blend it in with your fingers or a clean makeup sponge.[12]

EditTips

  • Apply a small dab of highlighter to the center of your bottom lip for an extra-glam look.[13]
  • If you're having trouble creating clean lines with the included applicator, dip a new lip brush into the lipstick and use that instead.[14]
  • Use a textured makeup-removing wipe to get the lipstick off at the end of the night.[15]
  • Don't apply any lip balm on top of your liquid lipstick. It could cause the product to break down, smudge, and look splotchy.
  • If your color starts to fade, dab a bit of product on your fingertip and spot-treat the faded areas. You could also use a traditional lipstick of the same shade to touch-up.

EditSources and Citations

EditQuick Summary


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How to Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase

Posted: 25 Oct 2018 01:00 AM PDT

Pumpkins have so many uses beyond Halloween and food. They can also make a terrific vase that can be added the table for Thanksgiving or just because you have a spare pumpkin that needs using up.

EditSteps

  1. Select a good quality pumpkin. The pumpkin needs to be firm, unblemished and able to sit well without rocking.
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 1.jpg
    • If needed, slice the base very thinly to make it sit straight. If this can be avoided though, it's best left alone.
  2. Cut the top of the pumpkin off with a sharp knife.
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 2.jpg
  3. Scoop the flesh out of the pumpkin. Use a strong spoon or a proper pumpkin scoop to do this. The flesh can be kept to make soup, etc.
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 3.jpg
    • Leave a layer of flesh around the edge of the pumpkin. This creates a waterproof layer.
      Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 3Bullet1.jpg
  4. Place the pumpkin on a large flat plate. You can add a doily to the plate first if wished.
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 4.jpg
  5. Pour water into the pumpkin. Add the flowers. Try to choose flowers with orange and yellow colors, to keep the pumpkin or squash theme going.
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 5.jpg
  6. Place on the table or wherever else you're displaying the pumpkin vase. Rearrange the flowers to make them perfect, if needed.
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 6.jpg
  7. When finished, throw the pumpkin and flowers into the compost. There is no need for washing any awkwardly shaped vase. All done!
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Step 7.jpg
  8. Finished.
    Turn a Pumpkin Into a Vase Final.jpg

EditVideo

EditTips

  • You could also turn a melon or a squash into a vase.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Pumpkin
  • Knife (sharp)
  • Strong spoon or other device for scooping out the pumpkin flesh
  • Large flat plate or platter for placing the pumpkin vase on
  • Doily or cloth (optional)
  • Flowers, oranges and yellows are best

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