Yes, it's time consuming, so...you only make it when you have time to consume!  My Northern Italian mother used to make Tortellini in brodo for every major holiday, as I was growing up in Naples, Italy, so I learned too.  The special (secret) way of twisting the dough to obtain their special shape, the drying process (overnight, spread out on dishes all over the house), they are all part of my most cherished memories.  I talk about all these things on my blog and I continue to dig into my memory banks for more of these precious things.  Yes, make pasta with your children, teach them the special family shapes and make memories.  I love it, Jen.

We are giving it a go today.  After some initial frustrations (all mine, by the way) I think it's going to turn out alright.  Nothing fancy, just fettuccine noodles with some fresh sauteed vegetables to put on top.  A nice summer dinner.

DD also made a batch of blondies with half semisweet chocolate chips and half white chocolate chips.  They're in the oven as I type!