It was a lastminute decision to take the Market to Table class at Latteria Studio and what a good decision it was. There was no better way to spend our last few hours before leaving for the airport.
We met in the centre of Mercato Testaccio and got to know our fellow classmates over coffee and were delighted to discover that they were all from Canada. Rachel, as always, was a delightful hostess and introduced us to favourite stalls in the market. Of course we all felt we knew the stall owners through Rachel's writings in 'Five Quarters' and The Guardian.
Pizzette from Da Artenio staved off any hunger pangs whilst we picked up shopping for lunch.
On the way over to Latteria Studio Rachel explained how the area of Testaccio fitted into the culinary history of Rome.
Latteria Studio is the most delightful space filled with light and fitted out with retro furniture as well as Alice's collection of flatware.
The most delicious aroma of cinnamon buns, freshly baked by Carla, filled the air. These were enjoyed with juice squeezed from oranges from Carla's garden.
Pretty soon we were all tasked with preparing the raw ingredients including artichokes....
...and puntarelle with a nifty little tool.
The joy of a Market to Table class is that it doesn't matter what level of cooking skills you have you are made to feel like you are helping out in a friends kitchen
At this point Carla produced focaccia from the oven for a snack.
Pasta making next - cavatelli must be the most satisfying pasta to create.
Simon opened bottles of prosecco which heralded lunch
The fruits of our labour were placed amongst the vases of fressia on the pretty table.
All to soon it was time to say goodbye to our new found friends, Trish, Brenda, Susan and Simon and of course, Rachel, Carla and Alice.
It was, as ever, the best of days.
