Some girls want to be like Kate Moss or Victoria Beckham. Me, I've always had a fantasy about being one of those 'Big Italian Grandmother' types.

I'd wear a cotton apron with big front pockets, speak my mind to anyone who would listen and shake my rolling pin and rue today's wayward youth. I'd even wear those black nylon socks that wrinkled around my ankles.

In preparation for my entrance into polite 'Nonna' society, I make pasta the old-fashioned way. No machines, no gadgets - just my hands, a rolling pin and a knife.

If you have never made pasta before, I'd really encourage you to try one of these recipes. It really is simple and the taste of homemade pasta is infinitely better than anything you'll be able to buy.