La Spaghettata di Mezzanotte

Turn your friends on to an Italian ritual - La Spaghettata di Mezzanotte (Midnight Spaghetti Party).

Antipasto: A selection of Italian Cheeses. Choose your favorite aged or fresh cheeses in a local specialty store. Arrange them in wedges on a wooden cutting board.

Primi Piatti: Crostini with Tuscan Pate and Bruschetta with Tomatoes and Garlic An assortment of appetizer-like dishes that will prepare guests for the next dish. Click here for Bruschetta recipe Click here for Crostini recipe

Secondi Piatti: Spaghetti All'Amatriciana The classic Spaghetti recipe with a twist. Click here for recipe

Dolci: Jam Tart A simple yet tasty tart dish. The crust can be made ahead of time. Click here for recipe

How to set up

To ensure that your Spaghettata has a festive, Italian flare, here are some helpful tips:

- Garnish the plates with a sprig of Basil and put out a bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for those who may want to top off their pasta - remember that Italians take their pasta seriously!

- Dim the lights and place candles on the table and around the room. - Have your friends bring some Italian music to set the mood; Opera to Pop - anything will do. - If you have a large enough space, serve aperitivo and the crostini in the kitchen so that you can hang out with your friends while the pasta is cooking. - Pour some Vino (may we suggest Remole?) and have fun!