Making Dough for Pasta Ripiena (Filled Pasta)

Pasta ripiena is virtuous food best prepared by virtuous cooks. Therefore, making pasta ripiena builds not only muscles but character. The virtuous cook is loving, patient, attentive, practical, decisive and, when necessary, speedy. You must find all of these virtues within yourself; not only is pasta good for you but so is pasta preparation. Patience is required in the chopping, cutting, cooking, kneading, rolling, stuffing, and folding of the pasta ripiena. You must be attentive to assure that the pasta is neatly folded and sealed. Speed (though not haste) is a virtue in that you must make the pasta before the dough dries. Do not be intimidated; with virtue, practice, and time, you can become a pasta ripiena virtuoso.