A chitarra that makes pasta, not music?
I argue that it makes both, especially after another guided journey in “la cucina” with my dear friend Novelia. Could spaghetti alla chitarra be that much better than spaghetti made with an expensive KitchenAid? Plenty.
Can the hands infuse some magical quality to pasta?
After this experience, I’d say “Yes!” Maybe grounding oneself in the simplicity of days gone by has benefits. Maybe making pasta without the help (and ease) of modern technology can bring us back to an essential reverence for creating that which sustains us.
Novelia, with her spaghetti alla chitarra has made me a convert.
I dare say she’ll also make you a convert too after you watch the following video.
If you haven’t already seen my previous video with Novelia in which she provides richly entertaining instruction for making fettuccine a mano (by hand), I encourage you to watch it. I hope the fettuccine and this spaghetti alla chitarra are just the start of other culinary adventures with Novelia.
“Enough already!” I can hear the cries now. I agree. Let the video roll and let Novelia do her magic!
[pexyoutube pex_attr_src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyHblv0Cee0?rel=o” pex_attr_width=””][/pexyoutube]
Interested in a firsthand experience in the kitchen with Novelia?
Let me know! Since the first video with Novelia, I’ve received an outpouring of enthusiasm from many of you. Hence, I’m plotting to put together a specially-curated Abruzzo experience that includes cooking classes with Novelia, as well as unique excursions coupled with photo assignments and instruction. IF this happens, I envision a very small group (high touch) of enthusiasts. So, if this idea resonates with you, let me know through my contact form and I’ll reach out to you with details when they come to fruition!
I hope you enjoyed watching Novelia make spaghetti alla chitarra as much as I did!
Fatastico!!xxo R and M
If you ever want to head down that way for a private cooking class, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with Novelia! xoxox
Thanks for sharing this wonderful woman with us, Jed! I would love to know more about how that sauce was made…looks delicious!
I’ll check with Novelia to see if she can share the recipe! She is a gem, isn’t she?
Wow, Jed….
The beauty of your video is so wonderful. Then you add Novelia into the mix and it becomes a priceless experience to watch. I have been doing a happy dance ever since knowing I will get to see Novelia when I’m there. (18 days and counting!) Thank you for opening up the window to Abruzzo and life in Italy, it means a great deal to me and I know without a doubt it’s where I need to be.
Just a FYI…all my pasta making
friends want me to bring a chitarra back with me. Sounds like another party!!
Ciao….
Debra
Grazie mille, Debra! Novelia makes EVERYTHING easy. My job is just to capture your huge spirit and her culinary magic!
Jed, watched this time from Clemson! Fantastically mouth watering! Thanks! I might have t try my skills at building a chitarra! Thanks and have a great week!
Ciao, Chip! You won’t regret going down this “pasta fatta a mano” road. If you need connection for buy a chitarra ready-made, let me know and I’ll get you hooked up!
Jed
Another great post with the best teacher in Abruzzo!
I’ll be there in 3 weeks….. can’t wait!
Thanks again!
Rich
Glad to be chumming the waters for your return to Abruzzo!
Thank you Jed. Wonderful to see Norvelia again in her element!! We were lucky to participate in one of Novelia’s cooking classes this year!!
We had a fantastic time with everyone able to get ‘stuck in’ and try their hand at making the pasta.
Our friends even went to the local market to buy a chitarra to take back to NZ.
Hoping to see you again next year when we return to beautiful Sulmona.
She indeed is in her element. I think I’m due for adding a chitarra to our kitchen as well! Hope to see you next year too!
Jed., this is again a lovely video! You captured the essence of Novelia. Her love of food & Abruzzo. You both are so great to share, thru your art, the wonders of Italy & Sulmona! Grazie mille!!
Thanks, Eloise! We and Novelia have a great time together. She inspires so many!
Ciao Jed,
I’m so sad i did not watch these videos sooner! My husband and i will be leaving Introdacqua in Abruzzo domani and freezing for Le Marche. This is our third trip to the area and we are working to move here as soon as we can, which is not soon enough! Part of his family originated from here, none left unfortunately but we’ve completely fallen in love with the entire area. We return to the U.S. the first week in October. I will definitely reach out to you before our next trip, dates TBD, to see if we can connect or plan something! Grazie di tutto!
Ciao, Michelle! Le Marche is also an amazing part of Italy. I’ve spent time in Urbino (loved it). I’d like to explore it more. I look forward to connecting with you about your next trip dates to Abruzzo!
I will be seeing my “sister” in less than 2 weeks! It is just around 9:00 AM in the US right now and she again is making me hungry. My family has had our chitarra as a decoration for years. I will now try to get it back in working order and make my own pasta. Thanks for doing this Jed
Lucky you, Mark! I love that you will be putting your chitarra to practical use, in a addition to being a worth piece of art for you home!
Ciao Jed, we did it again!!!!!, first with our passion, the main ingredient that comes through in this video. Your love for Abruzzo, for its history, culture, traditions, last but not least THE FOOD, the homemade pasta, in this case, spaghetti, done with an old chitarra that still plays and makes good music. I want to invite all our friends to make the same experience that you have done, discovering this part of the country. I will wait for them with open arms, Novelia
Grazie, Novelia! I wait with you to share our love of Abruzzo!
Chitarra magic! Both of you have a charisma.. each in your own unique way are fun to watch…another beautiful collaboration!
Novelia has charisma in spades. I benefit from standing in her light!
Loved the video. Intrigued by the zucchini “sauce.”
I’ll see if Novelia can share her recipe!