Pasta Dough Prep

• On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
• Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
• Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a few drops of water.
• Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Roll out the Dough

• After resting, cut the dough into smaller pieces.
• Working with one piece at a time, flatten it slightly with your hands.
• Set your pasta machine to the widest setting and pass the dough through.
• Fold the dough into thirds, then rotate it 90 degrees and pass it through the machine again.
• Continue this process, gradually narrowing the settings on the machine with each pass, until you reach your desired thickness (usually the second-last setting).

Shapeshifting

• Once you have a thin sheet of pasta dough, cut it into rectangles, about 10 cm long and 2.5 cm wide.
• Take each rectangle and wrap it around a knitting needle or a thin rod (like a chopstick) to form a tube. Press the ends together gently to seal.
• Slide the rod out carefully, leaving behind the Ziti shape.
• Place the formed Ziti on a lightly floured tray while you work on the remaining dough.

Cook the Ziti

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Carefully add the fresh Ziti pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes or until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and use immediately in your favorite sauce or recipe.

Buon Appetito! Enjoy!