By Holly Brown

Tired of big feasts, but still have lots of holiday entertaining to do? Pasta is a great alternative to the heavy menus we enjoy at holiday dinners. Pasta is popular the world over. Although, Italians consume nearly three times more pasta per person, compared to Americans.  The art of making fresh pasta hasn’t changed much over centuries. Flour and eggs are all you need.  Modern cooks tend to use electric devices rather than their hands or a fork to mix their dough.  Fresh pasta, made from scratch, takes no time at all to prepare and only a couple minutes to cook. It’s simple and delicious and can be served with nearly any meat, vegetable, sauce, or cheese you can imagine. 
 
For inspiring pasta preparations, I talked to a local Italian restaurateur this week to get her take on fresh and festive pasta dishes you can make at home. Aimee Pellegrini, owner of La Romanza Bistro Italiano in the West Seattle Junction, took me behind the scenes to her restaurant’s kitchen. She shared her secrets for making perfect pasta from scratch. She also shared the popular Lamb Ragout recipe from her restaurant’s menu. You won’t believe how fresh and fun this festive pasta favorite can be to make and serve at home.

Visit TheBrownLounge.com for a variety of elegant and delicious pasta preparations you can serve in between holiday feasts, or for your next dinner party.  Try Aimee’s Lamb Ragout over pappardelle.  You’ll love it!

Quick Recipe Links:
Handmade Pasta Pappardelle Style
Lamb Ragout
Pasta Perfect Recipes Designed for Entertaining

Happy Holidays!
Holly Brown, Publisher, Foodie, WebTV Host at TheBrownLounge.com