If you have not heard of what the KitchenAid KPEX Pasta Excellence Set is all about, it is actually a series of pasta tools that are designed to complement the KitchenAid mixer.

Ever since I own this kitchen tool, you can say that I have re-discovered the joys of eating home-made pasta.

I can’t deny that the price of the KitchenAid KPEX Pasta Excellence Set is indeed steep. I mean if you crave for pasta, then you would just head to a grocery store near you, grab a packet of dried or frozen ones and just bring them home to cook. I might have done the same, if I had not taken the plunge to purchase this 'wonder tool' (as I’d like to call it).

For me, the reason is that I belong to a relatively big family of eight. Although we are not Italians, we eat pasta about three times a week, on average, simply because of its versatility. Besides, once you make the pasta, cooking it and whipping out the sauce is a breeze. I could run to the grocery store every now and then to get the frozen or dried variety but I must emphasize that nothing beats these home-made ones!

The Joy is in the Authentic Taste

I believe usage of the different attachments really depends on the variations of pasta you are inclined to make. For me, what I use most often is the attachment that makes lasagna noodles, fettuccini and thick egg noodles. I choose these because somehow, making these enables you to get the real taste of freshly-made pasta.  

The Bond – A By-product of Using the Tool

There are of course various types of pasta, some of which I made (with the assistance of my kids) using the pasta set. With ravioli alone, my kids and I tried different forms of this pasta as I encourage them to be creative in producing their ‘works’. Indirectly, I found that they begin to take pride in what they do and subsequently gain self-confidence as our family and guests become generous with their praises.

Another intangible benefit is that as I get my children involved in pasta-making, I get to enjoy greater bonding with them. Children will remain children – they are capable of creating mess in the kitchen thereafter. However, I am proud that they are always more than ready to help whenever I announce that it’s pasta night.

If You Hate Cleaning After

No worries there. The KitchenAid KPEX Excellence Pasta Set comes with a brush for cleaning the attachments. The only cleaning process I know is to brush the attachments clean after use, leave them to dry and they would be ready for the next use. I've been using these attachments for some time, but I don't notice any signs of rust so far.  

The truth is, it does take some work to whip out freshly-made pasta. But I truly feel that the benefits more than make up for this as not only do my family and I get to enjoy nutritious meals but I could also invite friends over for dinner and see them savoring and appreciating the food we serve. 

So would I recommend this kitchen tool to anyone? Definitely, especially to those with a KitchenAid Mixer. Like me, you might just make many people happy at the dinner table!