Rosa Federici and Michael Marchetti look on as Mom samples the Sunday sauce for her homemade pasta.
Rosa puts the finishing touches on her torta di compleanno alla crema, made with layers of sponge cake, fresh fruit and cream. She has wonderful views to the yard from her custom baking station.
Only a few basic ingredients are needed to make a delicious sauce—garlic, onion, dried chili peppers, sausage and good-quality canned tomatoes.
Michael Marchetti, executive chef at Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford, pitches in at the stove.
Herb-crusted pork roast, the centerpiece of the meal, sits on a bed of barese-style chicory and cherry tomatoes.
Maria creates the homemade pasta, which is always on the Sunday menu.
Homemade pasta.
Antonio looks on with Rosa as Maria rolls each piece of cavatelli.
A farm-style dining table and chairs from Lillian August provides plenty of seating. This former unheated sunroom has floor-to-ceiling windows with views to the backyard. Original brick flooring has been beautifully restored.
Clockwise from bottom left, Rosa’s father Antonio Marchetti, sister-in-law Monica, mother Maria, sisters-in-law Angela and Erica, brothers Antonio and Michael, husband Frank Federici, Rosa, sisters-in-law Jennifer and Sharon, brothers Frank and John Paul.
Uncle Mike Tarantino always joins the family for Sunday dinner.
Parmigiano and dried sausage make for a nice pre-dinner snack.
John Paul grates some cheese for his dad.
Chef Michael’s children (Alexis, John Paul and Michael) are comfortably seated at one of the two kitchen islands.
Rosa loves to bake, and one kitchen island is set up especially for her sweet pursuits, like these coconut macaroons.
Maria Marchetti makes cavatelli, cutting individual pieces that will later be rolled by hand.
