Making Whole Wheat Pasta from Scratch

1. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour, 1/2 cup room-temperature water and 1 tsp. salt.

2. Add 1/4 cup water and mix until you have a stiff, kneadable dough. Add more water, in 1 tablespoon increments if needed.

3. Turn onto a Silpat mat or a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes. Alternately, you can place the dough ball in the food processor and give it about 10 spins, or use the dough hook on your mixer. Cover with a tea towel. Set aside and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.

4. Take a softball-size piece of dough and roll it out to 1/8 inch or thinner if you can manage. Add the tiniest bit of flour if needed. Cut the dough into desired shapes. Or use a pasta machine to create desired pasta.

5. Depending on the type of pasta you create, cook for 1 to 5 minutes in boiling, salted water. The noodles should be al dente--chewy but still firm. Coat with your favorite sauce and enjoy.