My mother made noodles frequently but seldom took the time to let them dry completely. I loved those chewy noodles. My problem in making noodles was getting them thin enough. Fortunately, Kitchen Aid makes a wonderful attachment that rolls the dough thin and then another attachment cuts it uni formally. It’s great! During times of stress, a nice bowl of pasta and a glass of wine are very comforting.

A bowl of 4000 year old noodles was found in China that was made from millet. Noodles have been made from rice, semolina, potato starch and wheat. Many cultures share the love of noodles. Romans used to fry their noodles and cover them with a fish sauce and the Chinese boiled their noodles which were made from ground wheat and water. The Europeans added egg and created egg noodles. The most interesting noodle I read about is the Japanese Shirataki noodle. It is made from the konjac yam also called elephant yam. It didn’t sound very appetizing to me.

There is much discussion on who was first to make noodles. It is believed that the Arabs brought them to Italy, but it appears China was also making them. All the countries who enjoy noodles have their own traditional dishes and I would be willing to try almost all of them.

Years ago I went to Germany as a teacher chaperon and stayed with a family for a week in Dresden. The first meal was spaghetti with tomato sauce. That was a surprise. I don’t know why Spatzle (a German egg noodle) wasn’t served instead. Another surprise was sauerkraut was not served with their bratwursts. In fact, my host was surprised to hear that I ate my brat with kraut. Travel is very enlightening!

I ‘m suggesting if you are feeling a little blue, ( a favorite saying of my grandmother) make some noodles! Egg, flour and a little milk. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes and roll it out. Easy and fun. A bowl of pasta can brighten any day!