Fun for Kids: Homemade Noodles

When I was a kid, my great-grandmother and I made noodles every time I visited, and I still use this simple recipe every Thanksgiving. Each step can be done primarily by kids, from cracking the eggs to kneading the dough to slurping up the finished product. Adults will want to supervise cooking the noodles on the stove, and also using the knife in Step 5 if working with younger children.

You will need:

A large, clean counter space with room to roll out dough

2 C. flour

3 whole eggs (or 6 egg yolks)

½ t. salt

rolling pin

serrated knife

8 C. chicken broth

View photos of steps.

Step 1

Pile flour on a clean kitchen counter and make a well in the center, like a flour volcano!

Step 2

Crack the eggs into a bowl, and beat lightly. Pour the beaten eggs into the center of the flour well. Add about ½ t. of salt, (more or less, depending on your taste).

Step 3

Using a fork, mix the eggs into the flour. When the dough begins to form, use your hands to gradually knead in more flour until dough is smooth. You may not use all the flour in the dough. Use the remaining flour to cover countertop or rolling pin to keep dough from sticking.

Step 4

Roll out the dough into a very thin sheet, sprinkling with remaining flour to keep from sticking to the counter or rolling pin. Then, starting at one edge, roll up the dough into a tube.

Step 5

Using a serrated knife (for younger kids, adults will want to take over here), slice the dough in about half-inch increments, making little "noodle pinwheels."

Step 6

After the dough is sliced, shake out the pinwheels and lay the noodles onto a lightly floured surface. Let them dry for at least three to four hours, or overnight.

To Cook the Noodles:

Adults, bring the chicken broth to a boil on the stove. Shaking the excess flour from the dried noodles, add them carefully to the boiling broth, one handful at a time, as the broth may boil over if too many noodles are added at once. Cook until noodles are soft and broth thickens.

If you wish, add bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken or leftover Thanksgiving turkey.