Surely life is far too short to make your own pasta? You just chuck it in the pan from the bag of dried stuff and hey presto. That’s what I thought, but then I was intrigued when a pasta making workshop came up. If nothing else I would learn something new and spend time with a friend while doing it. I had no idea I’d come out with a pasta machine on my Christmas list.

It’s so easy! I was absolutely staggered. We made the dough, kneaded it then let it chill. We learnt how to use various tools to shape the pasta into bows, tubes, ribbons – I was taken back to the hours I used to spend playing with playdoh with the girls, only this time we could actually eat it.

I went on to make pasta with beetroot powder while my friend made hers green with spirulina. I want to get on and experiment with turmeric and even cacao.

Not only did we love making the shapes, we then ate half of them along with a delicious arrabiata sauce, homemade houmous and bread. Lunch and learning something new are two of my favourite things and it’s rare I get to do them at the same time.

So now I’m itching to get my hands on a pasta machine because I know my youngest in particularly is going to want to make her own pasta. She’ll make much more beautiful shapes than me.

I can highly recommend this workshop as something mindful, focused, tasty and sociable. It’s also a darn sight easier than throwing a pot. You can find out more by visiting https://www.facebook.com/pg/twiddlefood.co.uk/posts/