The pearls & the family businessThe annual tomato sauce factory was set up this year again at Zia's abode. My nephew, sporting his green pearly beads again, this time in green, assisted; last year he was whisked away to the park to not interfere with serious Sicilian business.

He was very meticulous at his tasks and was very well behaved, well done PJ. At one point I was in charge of the home made grinding contraption which is about 25 years old, is most likely unsafe to use electrically and felt like it would explode at any moment (there are strange noises and pieces that look like bathroom plumbing sticking out of it) but who cares about health and safety when Uncle Frank guarantees that it is sound!

Luckily it made it through but I was hesitant along with the other workers on the day to comment as I may not get to eat any of the delicious results or worse I could be written out of the will, and I would love to get my hands on that machine when the Lord takes the tomato chiefs! It is a work of art.

After a few hours of jokes, mean looks from 'the boss' and lots of tomato splatter, five families have their delicious supplies for a year. If anyone would like a jar I am selling them for £10 a piece -cheaper than Carluccios'. I haven't tasted this year's batch but am hoping for a special delivery soon.

Carluccio's 'exotic food'
Am a bit tired this week but will fill in the blanks for the last two posts shortly... I think the Christmas season is upon us and all things are hectic at the moment. I have made a mental note to avoid Oxford Circus until mid January - it is like being in a sardine can trying to walk along the street...it's utterly frustrating & gross! Mayor Ken needs to sort it out.

Anyhoo, onto food...I had this super delicious squid ink pasta at Carluccio's the other night (I don't think I am eating at home at all this week). I brought some home in a doggy bag and some of B's friends were here who are from the norf (North) saw it and shrieked, 'what on earth are you eating??!' I love the northerners - they are so fun - I explained that the black color comes from the ink of the squid. It is an unusual type of ingredient for a pasta sauce but it is delicious! I offered a taste, but it was 'way too exotic' for them.

Instead they happily drank their champagne and went off to a party in their fancy dress - the house was full of Pink Ladies from Grease, a Cher look a like, Spider Woman, Wonder Woman and Shrek. Needless to say there were two large bags of recycling today full of wine and champagne bottles - the sign of a good pre-party!

Good food, good friends and good wine (or champagne) - that is what life is all about...