I wish you both every success. It's a tough row to hoe. Hang in there with it and you'll both enjoy a long, happy retirement.Rg
And that falling down the basement stairs , I might know a little about that.......
The pasta is so simple you won't believe it. 3 whole eggs beaten2 cups flour. There's recipes out there that call for Olive Oli. I've tried them...don't like them. Makes the pasta tough.If the dough seems dry add water a teaspoon at a timeIf the dough seems wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time.It should be just past sticky.I use my Kitchenaid with a dough hook. Eggs in firstAdd flour slowly to combine. When the dough ball starts to form, knead for 5-10 minutes ( about #4 on the machine.) Might have to scrape the bowl a couple times during the process to combine all the flour etc.By hand:Place flour on a surface....counter top, cutting board ....whateverMake a well in the middle and pour in the beaten eggsCombine the flour with the eggs until there's a workable dough ballKnead...knead...and knead some more until the dough is shiny and elastic. Could take 20 minutes of work. Knead, fold in the ends....knead some more. Add flour as needed to keep it from sticking.Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour. Cut the ball in quarters and work with one piece at a time leaving the others wrapped up in plastic so they won't dry out.It's really important. Dry dough is a pasta killer.Work the piece of dough into a sort of rectangle and start running it through the rollers. You're looking for a sort of square sheet here to work with..From there it's up to you as to what you want to make. There's a ton of recipes out there for food processors, by hand etc...etc. in the end it's a mix of experience and what you have to mix with.Flour is your friend! Keeps stuff from sticking...adds to texture...keeps the "Ball Rolling" so to speak.Just don't over think it. I've been making pasta for a few years since my Daughter bought me the attachments for my Kitchenaid. I can whip up Garlic, Basil Fettuccine in about 30 minutes. It's awesome. So....go play in the flour!Rg