As far back as I can remember, Amelia has called spaghetti spiga-ghetti, and now I’ve found myself calling it that as well. My wife does too.
I come from a long line of Italians, and my great-grandmother, grandmother and mom all made their own fresh pasta from time to time.
During quarantine, while everyone else was making bread, I ordered semolina flour so Amelia and I could make our own pasta.
It’s a bit of a process, but it’s SO worth it. I used this recipe from Food.com, but there are some supplies you will need that you probably don’t have hiding in your cabinets, like the pasta maker.
Amelia loves cooking and baking, especially cupcakes, but this was a bit different for her. We mixed the dough pretty much as the recipe said to, and she really enjoyed using our mixer.
Then we kneaded the dough at the table, just like my grandmother and I used to when I was a kid. We even used a pasta machine she brought me from Italy.
The cranking is the best part, but it’s tough, especially for a four-year-old’s arms, but Amelia really wanted to do it, and she did.
For me, it’s the nostalgia. I remember making pasta with my mom and my grandmother, and now I’m making it with my daughter. It’s a blast and really brings me back.
We even let the pasta dry on my old hockey stick, just like we did it when I was young.
But man was that delicious. I make my own sauce (my relatives all called it gravy) and I absolutely love the smell of fresh basil simmering in the tomatoes. Amelia helped this time, and I hope one day to teach her my recipe so she will have it when she’s out on her own.
What is one of your nostalgia foods that bring you back to childhood? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. Maybe we will even try something you suggest!
Pod of One 