After the dough had rested, I got to work.
I dusted the marble surface with a cloud of flour and grabbed the heavy wooden rolling pin. I rolled the dough out, pressing down hard until it was a thin, translucent sheet. I folded the sheet over on itself lightly, then took the knife.
Chop. Chop. Chop.
I cut the folded dough into long, thin strips. When I shook them out, they uncoiled into perfect, springy ribbons.
"Ooh..."
A murmur went through the kitchen. The Head Chef had actually stopped working at his own station and was leaning over, staring at the long strands with undisguised curiosity.
"Yay! The noodles are ready!" I cheered, holding up a handful.
"Now, Elin," I pointed to the stove. "Put the pot on to boil. Add some salt."
Elin nodded, heaving a large pot of water onto the clay stove. She knelt down, adjusted the firewood, and whispered a soft chant.
Fwoom.
A bright orange flame sparked from her fingertips, instantly igniting the wood into a roaring fire.
Wow.
