Fresh Pasta at Home

If you've ever wanted to make your own pasta but have been too intimidated to do it, Fresh Pasta at Home is the book to get you across the finish line. Having used some pages from this book myself, I can testify to how straightforward and accessible the recipe instructions are, and I want to make pretty much every one of them. I also really like that the book includes multiple interchangeable sauces, including some that are super speedy to prepare. (December 6) -Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor Making pasta from scratch is one of life's elemental culinary pleasures, writes the team at America's Test Kitchen in this hearty collection. Each entry begins with a paragraph on why this recipe works that delves into the history and flavor combinations of the dish; for example, a broth enriched with shrimp shells adds depth to a Venetian-cuisine-inspired linguine with shrimp. The opening chapters focus on creating the pasta, with instructions for four types of dough: egg, semolina, whole-wheat, and gluten-free made with brown rice flour. Handy charts and lists dispense advice on dos and don'ts and opine on such topics as which sauces pair best with which pasta shapes. Indeed, there are some 18 different shapes to try, from the familiar farfalle to the irregular maltagliati, which means badly cut. Dinner entrees are the centerpiece, with favorites (fettuccine Alfredo) appearing along with more ambitious options (pappardelle with duck and chestnut ragu). A comparatively small sampling of filled pasta includes short rib agnolotti with hazelnuts and browned butter. A colorful cascade of sauces constitutes the last chapter. Home cooks will find plenty of ways to test their skills in this thorough resource. (Dec.) -- Publisher's Weekly