By Carole Morris
Photos by Sara Joy Pinnell
Pasta, you are so lovely; when I envision your beauty… I see Italy. Mountains, amazing architecture and art that is glorious beyond belief.
Whoa, wrong vision! Rewind…I envision several coastal regions where some of the world's earliest known civilizations are linked. I see Asia and ancient Asian noodles. Wait, what? Asian pasta? Weird (I know) but, as strange as it sounds pasta was brought to Italy from China by Marco Polo during the 13th century. In fact, archaeologists believe that central Asia is most likely the first area to have produced noodles thousands of years ago.
Today, pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, from lasagna to rotini, and in different flavor varieties such as whole wheat or spinach. With that being said—do I have some pasta recipes for you!
Homemade Noodles
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ tsp salt
2 eggs (beaten)
1/3 cup water
1 tsp. olive oil
Instructions
Stir together, in a bowl, flour and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, water, and oil. Add to the flour mixture and stir well.
Sprinkle flour on the surface you are going to knead dough on. Knead dough until it is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Let the dough rest for approximately 15 minutes.
Divide dough into fourths, then roll each fourth into a 12x12 inch square on a floured surface. Cut into 2x1 inch rectangles, then pinch the centers to form bow ties.
Cooking Directions
In a saucepan, bring water (approximately 3 quarts) to boiling. Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to help keep noodles separated. Add the pasta, then boil uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes.
Cheddar Noodle Salad
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 cup homemade noodles or small size macaroni (measure then cook to package directions)
1 cup cheddar cheese (cubed)
1 stalk of celery (sliced)
¾ cup green pepper (chopped)
¾ cup petite peas
½ cup red onion (sliced thin)
Dressing Ingredients
½ cup Miracle Whip
½ cup sour cream
4 tbsp sweet pickle relish
2 tbsp. milk
½ tsp salt
Instructions
In a bowl, mix all ingredients together except the Dressing Ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together Dressing Ingredients. Mix dressing in with the noodle ingredients, then cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Ranch Noodle Salad
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 cup homemade noodles or elbow macaroni (measure then cook to package directions)
¼ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
¼ cup broccoli (chopped)
¼ cup carrots (grated)
¼ green onion (sliced)
Large bottle of Ranch dressing (your favorite brand)
4 tbsp. salted sunflower seeds
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together all ingredients, except the sunflower seeds. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight, then sprinkle sunflower seeds on top before serving.
Mediterranean Noodle Salad
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 cup homemade noodles or small bow shaped noodle (measure then cook to package directions)
¼ cup feta cheese
¼ lb. salami (sliced)
¼ cup olives (sliced)
¼ cup tomato (diced)
¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
Large bottle of Mediterranean dressing
Instructions
In a bowl, mix together all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Your summer potluck or barbeque will never be the same—these cold noodle salads will dazzle, and you will be so chill.
Carole Morris
Instructional Specialist, Author and Adjunct Professor. She is married to an outstanding, brilliant man and the mother of two grown awe-inspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.
This story first appeared in Ardent
for Life Summer 2019 issue.