Capellini al Pomodoro Fresco for The Venice Sketchbook

I've been reading some great books this summer, a few no finishes, and others merely okay.  This novel merits one of my lately infrequent posts with recipe, as recently there doesn't seem to be enough time or energy in my life for more blogging. You do what you can.  A great book here, and can you really go wrong with Rhys Bowen?  Don't believe I have.  Her novels are usually winners and The Venice Sketchbook is no exception.

A tale of star crossed lovers, mystery with romance, of course delectable Italian food, art and history.  Juliet Browning visits Venice as a young lady on tour with her elderly aunt along as guide and chaperone. Despite whose oversight, she meets up with a charming young Venetian on that first trip. Then on later trips, she serendipitously encounters him again. In La Serenissima, a love that's meant to be.  There are severe obstacles however, or we wouldn't have a story.  Alternating with her pre war and wartime experiences we have her great niece Caroline's  POV, many years later, when she receives a strange legacy from her Aunt Lettie.   A lovely story within a story. 

 From the Publishers:

"Love and secrets collide in Venice during WWII in this enthralling novel of brief encounters and lasting romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and Above the Bay of Angels.

Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper…Venice. Caroline’s quest: is to scatter Juliet “Lettie” Browning’s ashes in the city she loved and to unlock the mysteries stored away for more than sixty years.

It’s 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. For her students, it’s a wealth of history, art, and beauty. For Juliet, it’s poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. However star-crossed, nothing can come between them. Until the threat of war closes in on Venice and they’re forced to fight, survive, and protect a secret that will bind them forever.

Key by key, Lettie’s life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. It’s one that Caroline can now make right again as her own journey of self-discovery begins."

 

My choice of recipe was not so mysterious, more fate.  We are overflowing with tomatoes in the garden, so various and wonderful ways to use them have been occurring in the kitchen..  I discovered a fabulous fresh tomato sauce over Capellini (Angel Hair pasta) that sounded perfect to accompany this review. So simple, and quick, a whiz to throw together, without heating up the kitchen  Just boiling water for the pasta.  

Capellini with Fresh Tomato Sauce

     taken from Gourmet Today, edited by Ruth Reichl

Ingredients

1 garlic clove

salt

3 lbs. ripe tomatoes

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1/2 teas. freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. dried capellini (angel hair) pasta

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Accompaniments: finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, extra virgin olive oil

Mash garlic with a pinch of salt.

Core and coarsely chop two thirds of the tomatoes.  Halve remaining tomatoes crosswise.  Rub cut sides against the large holes of a box grater over a large bowl.  Reserve pulp and discard skin.  Toss pulp with the chopped tomatoes, garlic paste, lemon juice, sugar if using, salt and pepper.  Let stand for at least 10 minutes, or until ready to use (up to 2 hours).

Cook pasta in an 8 quart pot of boiling, salted water (3 tablespoons salt) until al dente.  Drain and immediately add to the tomato mixture, tossing to combine.  Sprinkle with basil.  Serve with grated cheese and, if desired, olive oil for drizzling.

What a delightful supper this was, with a bit of fresh bread, or as I did with bruschetta I cut and lightly toasted from some rosemary garlic focaccia. 

I'll be linking this post with Weekend Cooking, hosted by the Intrepid Marge, and with Heather of the Foodies Read Challenge for August.  Be sue to visit for some wonderful recipes and book suggestions.