Tomato spaghetti for winter

Plus some Rome recommendations!

There is something about putting a tablecloth on a table which honestly makes me so happy.

Lately I’ve been making a real effort to properly set the table and I feel like it has been so nice for my mood which in turn benefits my cooking! It was school holidays when I began writing this newsletter and then caught a terrible head cold so it’s a little delayed, apologies! In the school break, the house can feel very full (lovely) and chaotic, but this little ritual has brought me some calm, and I think the kids too.

On the second Monday, I bought some beautiful buffalo mozzarella, draped over some anchovies and drizzled with good olive oil.

I bought some focaccia from my local Italian deli and cut it into slices for a bowl on the table. I then made a very simple, but slowly cooked tomato sauce to serve with spaghetti. (Sharing that recipe below for paid subs). I also made puntarelle alla romana – puntarelle dressed with an anchovy, garlic vinaigrette. That dressing recipe is in my third cookbook Around the Table!

We peeled tangelos at the table after dessert and also some chestnuts I had boiled on the stove with fennel, orange and bay leaves. Recipe is in A Year of Simple Family Food! So simple, so perfect.

I was reminded by this quote by Ettore Sottsass which I used in my second book, A Year Of Simple Family Food, thanks to Sottsass’ wife, Barbara Radice. I love it much.

It also got me thinking of this time last year. I spent four weeks in Italy and Malta and today I’m sharing some of my Rome faves!

But before we go further…

There are some more pasta class dates up here!

And in case you missed it, preorders for my book GOOD COOKING EVERY DAY are ON! And so appreciated! Stay tuned for book events!

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ROME FAVOURITES…

Trattoria Da Cesare - There are two locations. Al Pellegrino and Al Casaletto. The latter is the original and requires a little more navigating to get to, but has the larger menu including lots of fritti. Al Pellegrino is elegant and smaller, right near the Campo Dei Fiori market, so very central. Both amazing, both worthwhile!

Latteria studios - Market to table classes Rachel Roddy and Alice Adams Carosi! Truly heaven!

Armando al Pantheon – One of my very favourites. Beautiful service, delicious pasta / everything! Centre of Rome! Definitely need to book!

Piatto Romano - Expect salads with wild weeds, grilled lamb chops and great wine. It’s no frills but big flavours, great service and VERY Roman food! A real highlight from the last trip.

SantoPalato - A Roman trattoria but probably not as you know it. Headed by incredible chef Sara Cicolini, it’s a must visit!

Latteria Trastevere - Great wine bar!! Great snacks!!

Enoteca l’Antidoto - Also in Trastevere. Wine only by the bottle. Gorgeous snacks. Very fun way to start your evening!

Tavernaccia da Bruno - One of my favourite spots in Rome! Cosy, comforting, friendly and just so good every time. Very Roman but also a little Sardinian influence which means wood-roasted suckling pig.

Piperno - In the Jewish quarter. There is something magical about sitting outside eating lunch here on a warm day. Fried artichokes, beautiful pasta and alpine strawberries with lemon sorbetto. Heaven.

Regoli Pasticceria - For the maritozzi!

Marigold - Coffee and cardamom buns

Mordi e vai - Panini stuffed with roasted beef and the drippings! Lots more! So good! Must eat! In the Testaccio market!

Roscioli - For great pasta and then to the forno across the street for pizza Bianca/rossa/other great treats!

Simple Tomato Spaghetti