Latest news with #EnotecaMaria
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Review: The secret ingredient is love in Netflix's heartwarming film ‘Nonnas'
Netflix's latest heartwarming film, 'Nonnas' serves up more than just mouthwatering Americanized Italian food — it delivers a heartfelt story rooted in real life, proving that passion and purpose have no expiration date. It has steadily hovered in the top 10 Netflix film list in Saudi Arabia since its debut earlier this month. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Inspired by the true story of local Italian New Yorker Joe Scaravela's Staten Island restaurant, Enoteca Maria/Nonnas of the World, which it self-describes as: 'Convivial trattoria featuring real international grandmothers cooking on a rotating schedule,' the film highlights a special concept: Grandmothers, or 'nonnas' (the Italian word for grandmother), from diverse backgrounds cook authentic, home-style meals for customers. Vince Vaughn whips up a storm as Scaravela, the visionary who transforms deep personal loss into a vibrant tribute to family heritage: Handwritten scribbled recipes and all. Alongside him, legendary actresses Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro bring the nonnas to life with warmth, humor and undeniable charm. Their performances challenge stereotypes about aging women, showing that these culinary matriarchs are far from 'past their prime.' Instead, they are vibrant, innovative, creative and full of surprises — proving that life's best chapters can unfold well beyond what society expects. The film is a delightful reminder to believe in yourself, and also about the power of community. It celebrates the resilience and strength found in embracing one's roots, sharing stories and opening hearts while breaking bread. Whether through a shared meal or unexpected romance, 'Nonnas' reveals that love can always be found, no matter your age. While some moments tread the line of predictable and are a bit too sentimental, the film's earnest spirit and genuine affection for its characters shine through. A bit cheesy? Absolutely. But who doesn't love a bit — or a lot — of cheese sprinkled in, especially when it's served with a side of a home-cooked meal (for the soul)?
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vince Vaughn: ‘Nonnas' Is an 'Outlaw Movie' Amid Changing Industry as Netflix Film Extends Hot Streak
Business is booming for Nonnas, as the Vince Vaughn-led Netflix movie continues to connect with audiences. Based on a true story, director Stephen Chbosky's feature centers on Staten Island restaurateur Joe Scaravella (Vaughn), who is grieving the loss of his mom when he sets out to open an eatery with actual Italian grandmothers working in the kitchen. Co-starring Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro, the title topped Netflix's English-language film charts for its first two weekends, collecting 15.3 million views in its initial three days and a total of 33.3 million in 10 days, according to the streamer's internal rankings. More from The Hollywood Reporter Netflix Nabs Robert Langdon Series From Carlton Cuse, Author Dan Brown Titan Submersible Implosion Examined in Trailer for Netflix Doc 'The OceanGate Disaster' Topher Grace (Yes, Topher Grace) Is an Opium Kingpin in Netflix's 'The Waterfront' Trailer During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter to celebrate the film's popularity, Vaughn discusses how the movie's specificity makes it more accessible, potential sequel conversations and why Hollywood has hit 'an all-time peak of overthinking.' Congratulations on the film's success. What does this tell you about what audiences look for in a movie? These actresses are tremendous, and [it's] like what the real Joe did by taking these women who are phenomenal at their craft. In that case, it was cooking and giving them an outlet to be able to do that and celebrate something that they're terrific at. Stephen, in this movie, really dug that with a lot of these actresses [who] have always been terrific. So the movie, in a way, is an extension and does a similar thing that the actual restaurant Enoteca Maria did. There are always conversations in Hollywood about whether movies should be led by 'women of a certain age.' Do higher-ups have concerns when films like yours are getting made? [The movie is] dealing with a stage of life where Joe loses his mom, and now he's being forced into a new phase of being without a family and stepping into a parent or leadership role, even with these nonnas of having a vision. That's something that all human beings go through. We've exhausted ourselves with these [focus] groups and IPs. It's almost like what happened to the car industry, where everything is so quarterly and broken down and just following these ideas. It feels like we've hit an all-time peak of overthinking and using rules to the point where you step back and see something like this. Everyone has a mom — whatever that dynamic is like — or a grandparent, and [then there's] eating. So there are certain things that are just the human experience that are universal. You make me laugh when you say that because I just started to think, 'Is there going to be a flood of Mother's Day movies?' I don't know. I just feel like it's not that hard. People are really nervous. I always hear stuff like, 'People have a TV,' but horror movies continue to open [at the box office]. The people who go to horror movies don't have a television? Or is it something that's a little more dangerous, and there's an audience that wants that community experience. And if that's true, potentially it wouldn't just be horror or action that people would want that community experience for. It's always nice when you're in something that's working, and what's interesting about Nonnas is, it's really a movie that you could watch with all ages. It's definitely something that's feel-good, and the fact that that's not the norm of a movie to be made, but that's this outlaw movie, is interesting in this moment in time. It is a movie that you could share multi-generationally. Not unlike the film industry, the restaurant industry is facing a tough moment, and mom-and-pop eateries like Joe's appear to be struggling more than ever. Did this film give you insight into that world? The fun of cooking and of making films is that you're doing a creative process that you want to share. Part of the thing that works here is that you're dealing with people really doing their best to cope with these stages of life. The more things are specific, the more they're universal. This happens to be Staten Island and Italian, but that actually makes it more universal to the human experience. In the town that we're in now, sometimes the idea is, 'How do you expand it?' [Kurt] Vonnegut has that great quote that, if you open the window and try to please everyone, you'll catch pneumonia. It's just a reminder that, whether it's Boyz n the Hood or Ordinary People — both really great stories about the human experience — the more it is attempting to reflect of something in an authentic way, I always feel it's more universal, especially in this visual media. Is it now impossible to get a table at Joe's restaurant, given the success of the movie? He had like 350 messages and couldn't return them all. He's a fascinating guy. To go back to your early point about these mom-and-pop restaurants, he really was focused on creating this experience and giving an opportunity for these nonnas to be able to cook. I find it somewhat refreshing that he's less driven by, 'How do I monetize it?' We did make the movie independently, but we were really grateful when Netflix came in and recognized that this is a story that people could connect to. The film's actresses have joked that you were the movie's token male. What was the energy like with all of you? We joked around a lot. Ultimately, the story is Joe's, in that he has this dream to create this opportunity. I really love all of them. I was raised with my grandmother in the house and really enjoyed talking to her. There's so much to take from people who have experience and are also wise and talented, and all of these actresses are definitely that. I really took advantage of just hearing them talk and their thoughts on life, relationships, acting, how they approach scenes, what was it like to make this movie or that movie. Has there been any talk of a sequel? Yeah, Nonnas 2: This Time It's Personal is the working title. (Laughs.) There has been some. There's always that with movies. If there's a story that's great and its own story to be told, then that could be a lot of fun. Speaking of sequels, is there any progress you can share about ? There's always talk of these. Dodgeball, actually, there's an idea that's pretty good, but nothing for sure. I'm going to start the second season of Bad Monkey, which is great, and then I have another thing I'm going to do, but I would definitely … It's always about if the story's right, if the extension is something that makes sense. There are ideas that are good with some of these, but you never know what transpires and if it makes sense for everybody. But I'm definitely open to it. I love a lot of those movies and definitely open if something comes to pass. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Hollywood Stars Who Are One Award Away From an EGOT 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
This is a warm and friendly comfort-feed of a film
Nonnas PG, 115 minutes 4 stars This is a comfort-food movie. It's not out to surprise or overwhelm you, but offers warmth and likeability and familiarity served up with care. One of the characters says, "Food is love" and the movie, streaming on Netflix, demonstrates how and why. It's inspired by the true story of Joe Scaravella, a Brooklyn native who risked everything after his mother died. Scaravella, who worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, had no food-industry experience. What he did have was a passion for the food his Italian-American mother and grandmother had made. He wanted to pay homage to them with a place that served traditional recipes cooked by nonnas. Enoteca Maria, named after his mother, was the result. It's not really a spoiler to say the Staten Island restaurant is still going: this isn't the kind of movie that has an unhappy ending; it's about the beginning. Vince Vaughn plays Joe in the movie. Vaughn has had a varied career ranging from comedy (Wedding Crashers, Dodgeball) to drama (True Detective, Hacksaw Ridge) and even horror (Freaky and the misbegotten remake of Psycho, for which we will forgive him). He makes the man likeable. You want him to succeed when he's spending his inheritance and getting into debt for what his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) fears is a doomed enterprise (though he still helps out with the renovations). Bruno's wife Stella (Drea de Matteo) is also very supportive. Joe is lucky there. But the movie doesn't make things seem easy for Joe. He has to get his workmates to cover for him (he needs the money) and has to negotiate the details of a new enterprise. And soon he faces mounting debts, piles of bills, building inspections and other challenges. Nobody said pursuing, much less achieving, a dream was as easy as having one. The nonnas who are recruited are vital to the story and are played by seasoned and appealing actresses. Two are old acquaintances: Gia (Susan Sarandon), who was Maria's hairdresser and is a talented baker; and Roberta, Maria's best friend, (Lorraine Bracco), who welcomes time away from her nursing home. Another lady, Teresa (Talia Shire), a former nun, is a walk-in who gets signed up and a chance encounter at a market reunites Joe with Olivia (Linda Cardellini), his high school crush. She's with her neighbour Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), who becomes the last of the nonna quartet whose recipes and culinary talents will be essential. But then comes the final challenge: opening the place and attracting customers and reviewers. That's never easy for a new restaurant but being away from Manhattan and unknown makes It harder. If you like looking at ingredients being prepped and food being cooked, you'll have a good time here and maybe even wish for more of those scenes. You might even be tempted to go and cook something yourself (or at least buy and eat it). Some might find the presentation of Joe's childhood memories - and the adult relationships - a bit cliched but, having Italian-American relatives, I can confirm the centrality of food and family in that culture and the sometimes volatile nature of the relationships. There's some predictable but enjoyable comedy as the feisty women from different places butt heads and show off their dishes. The women seem to be having a wonderful time. Don't turn off as soon as the credits begin: little visual and factual morsels are sprinkled through the closing credits, providing evidence of and updates to the story - including the fact that he extended his recruitment to non-Italian nonnas. Food is love, regardless of the culture. Nonnas PG, 115 minutes 4 stars This is a comfort-food movie. It's not out to surprise or overwhelm you, but offers warmth and likeability and familiarity served up with care. One of the characters says, "Food is love" and the movie, streaming on Netflix, demonstrates how and why. It's inspired by the true story of Joe Scaravella, a Brooklyn native who risked everything after his mother died. Scaravella, who worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, had no food-industry experience. What he did have was a passion for the food his Italian-American mother and grandmother had made. He wanted to pay homage to them with a place that served traditional recipes cooked by nonnas. Enoteca Maria, named after his mother, was the result. It's not really a spoiler to say the Staten Island restaurant is still going: this isn't the kind of movie that has an unhappy ending; it's about the beginning. Vince Vaughn plays Joe in the movie. Vaughn has had a varied career ranging from comedy (Wedding Crashers, Dodgeball) to drama (True Detective, Hacksaw Ridge) and even horror (Freaky and the misbegotten remake of Psycho, for which we will forgive him). He makes the man likeable. You want him to succeed when he's spending his inheritance and getting into debt for what his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) fears is a doomed enterprise (though he still helps out with the renovations). Bruno's wife Stella (Drea de Matteo) is also very supportive. Joe is lucky there. But the movie doesn't make things seem easy for Joe. He has to get his workmates to cover for him (he needs the money) and has to negotiate the details of a new enterprise. And soon he faces mounting debts, piles of bills, building inspections and other challenges. Nobody said pursuing, much less achieving, a dream was as easy as having one. The nonnas who are recruited are vital to the story and are played by seasoned and appealing actresses. Two are old acquaintances: Gia (Susan Sarandon), who was Maria's hairdresser and is a talented baker; and Roberta, Maria's best friend, (Lorraine Bracco), who welcomes time away from her nursing home. Another lady, Teresa (Talia Shire), a former nun, is a walk-in who gets signed up and a chance encounter at a market reunites Joe with Olivia (Linda Cardellini), his high school crush. She's with her neighbour Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), who becomes the last of the nonna quartet whose recipes and culinary talents will be essential. But then comes the final challenge: opening the place and attracting customers and reviewers. That's never easy for a new restaurant but being away from Manhattan and unknown makes It harder. If you like looking at ingredients being prepped and food being cooked, you'll have a good time here and maybe even wish for more of those scenes. You might even be tempted to go and cook something yourself (or at least buy and eat it). Some might find the presentation of Joe's childhood memories - and the adult relationships - a bit cliched but, having Italian-American relatives, I can confirm the centrality of food and family in that culture and the sometimes volatile nature of the relationships. There's some predictable but enjoyable comedy as the feisty women from different places butt heads and show off their dishes. The women seem to be having a wonderful time. Don't turn off as soon as the credits begin: little visual and factual morsels are sprinkled through the closing credits, providing evidence of and updates to the story - including the fact that he extended his recruitment to non-Italian nonnas. Food is love, regardless of the culture. Nonnas PG, 115 minutes 4 stars This is a comfort-food movie. It's not out to surprise or overwhelm you, but offers warmth and likeability and familiarity served up with care. One of the characters says, "Food is love" and the movie, streaming on Netflix, demonstrates how and why. It's inspired by the true story of Joe Scaravella, a Brooklyn native who risked everything after his mother died. Scaravella, who worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, had no food-industry experience. What he did have was a passion for the food his Italian-American mother and grandmother had made. He wanted to pay homage to them with a place that served traditional recipes cooked by nonnas. Enoteca Maria, named after his mother, was the result. It's not really a spoiler to say the Staten Island restaurant is still going: this isn't the kind of movie that has an unhappy ending; it's about the beginning. Vince Vaughn plays Joe in the movie. Vaughn has had a varied career ranging from comedy (Wedding Crashers, Dodgeball) to drama (True Detective, Hacksaw Ridge) and even horror (Freaky and the misbegotten remake of Psycho, for which we will forgive him). He makes the man likeable. You want him to succeed when he's spending his inheritance and getting into debt for what his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) fears is a doomed enterprise (though he still helps out with the renovations). Bruno's wife Stella (Drea de Matteo) is also very supportive. Joe is lucky there. But the movie doesn't make things seem easy for Joe. He has to get his workmates to cover for him (he needs the money) and has to negotiate the details of a new enterprise. And soon he faces mounting debts, piles of bills, building inspections and other challenges. Nobody said pursuing, much less achieving, a dream was as easy as having one. The nonnas who are recruited are vital to the story and are played by seasoned and appealing actresses. Two are old acquaintances: Gia (Susan Sarandon), who was Maria's hairdresser and is a talented baker; and Roberta, Maria's best friend, (Lorraine Bracco), who welcomes time away from her nursing home. Another lady, Teresa (Talia Shire), a former nun, is a walk-in who gets signed up and a chance encounter at a market reunites Joe with Olivia (Linda Cardellini), his high school crush. She's with her neighbour Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), who becomes the last of the nonna quartet whose recipes and culinary talents will be essential. But then comes the final challenge: opening the place and attracting customers and reviewers. That's never easy for a new restaurant but being away from Manhattan and unknown makes It harder. If you like looking at ingredients being prepped and food being cooked, you'll have a good time here and maybe even wish for more of those scenes. You might even be tempted to go and cook something yourself (or at least buy and eat it). Some might find the presentation of Joe's childhood memories - and the adult relationships - a bit cliched but, having Italian-American relatives, I can confirm the centrality of food and family in that culture and the sometimes volatile nature of the relationships. There's some predictable but enjoyable comedy as the feisty women from different places butt heads and show off their dishes. The women seem to be having a wonderful time. Don't turn off as soon as the credits begin: little visual and factual morsels are sprinkled through the closing credits, providing evidence of and updates to the story - including the fact that he extended his recruitment to non-Italian nonnas. Food is love, regardless of the culture. Nonnas PG, 115 minutes 4 stars This is a comfort-food movie. It's not out to surprise or overwhelm you, but offers warmth and likeability and familiarity served up with care. One of the characters says, "Food is love" and the movie, streaming on Netflix, demonstrates how and why. It's inspired by the true story of Joe Scaravella, a Brooklyn native who risked everything after his mother died. Scaravella, who worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, had no food-industry experience. What he did have was a passion for the food his Italian-American mother and grandmother had made. He wanted to pay homage to them with a place that served traditional recipes cooked by nonnas. Enoteca Maria, named after his mother, was the result. It's not really a spoiler to say the Staten Island restaurant is still going: this isn't the kind of movie that has an unhappy ending; it's about the beginning. Vince Vaughn plays Joe in the movie. Vaughn has had a varied career ranging from comedy (Wedding Crashers, Dodgeball) to drama (True Detective, Hacksaw Ridge) and even horror (Freaky and the misbegotten remake of Psycho, for which we will forgive him). He makes the man likeable. You want him to succeed when he's spending his inheritance and getting into debt for what his best friend Bruno (Joe Manganiello) fears is a doomed enterprise (though he still helps out with the renovations). Bruno's wife Stella (Drea de Matteo) is also very supportive. Joe is lucky there. But the movie doesn't make things seem easy for Joe. He has to get his workmates to cover for him (he needs the money) and has to negotiate the details of a new enterprise. And soon he faces mounting debts, piles of bills, building inspections and other challenges. Nobody said pursuing, much less achieving, a dream was as easy as having one. The nonnas who are recruited are vital to the story and are played by seasoned and appealing actresses. Two are old acquaintances: Gia (Susan Sarandon), who was Maria's hairdresser and is a talented baker; and Roberta, Maria's best friend, (Lorraine Bracco), who welcomes time away from her nursing home. Another lady, Teresa (Talia Shire), a former nun, is a walk-in who gets signed up and a chance encounter at a market reunites Joe with Olivia (Linda Cardellini), his high school crush. She's with her neighbour Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro), who becomes the last of the nonna quartet whose recipes and culinary talents will be essential. But then comes the final challenge: opening the place and attracting customers and reviewers. That's never easy for a new restaurant but being away from Manhattan and unknown makes It harder. If you like looking at ingredients being prepped and food being cooked, you'll have a good time here and maybe even wish for more of those scenes. You might even be tempted to go and cook something yourself (or at least buy and eat it). Some might find the presentation of Joe's childhood memories - and the adult relationships - a bit cliched but, having Italian-American relatives, I can confirm the centrality of food and family in that culture and the sometimes volatile nature of the relationships. There's some predictable but enjoyable comedy as the feisty women from different places butt heads and show off their dishes. The women seem to be having a wonderful time. Don't turn off as soon as the credits begin: little visual and factual morsels are sprinkled through the closing credits, providing evidence of and updates to the story - including the fact that he extended his recruitment to non-Italian nonnas. Food is love, regardless of the culture.
Metro
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
‘Heartwarming' new comedy storms up Netflix chart with staggering 20m views
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A heartwarming comedy with a star-studded cast has soared to the top of the Netflix charts, claiming more than 20million views in the last few days. Nonnas was released on the streaming platform on May 9, starring Vince Vaughn as New Yorker Joe Scaravella who, grieving his mother's death, decides to open an Italian restaurant based on family recipes. He plugs all his money into building the eatery in Staten Island, hiring local grandmothers as the chefs. The feel-good flick is based on the true story of Enoteca Maria owner Joe Scarvella, with Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Linda Cardellini, Joe Manganiello and Drea de Matteo among the cast. Nonnas clearly made an impression on fans and has shot up to claim the top spot with a whopping 20million views in the last week, with 38million hours watched. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. It beat out stiff competition from chilling true crime film A Deadly American Marriage, Havoc, Untold: The Liver King and Inside Man: Most Wanted – the 2019 sequel to Denzel Washington's hit action flick. Instant Family, Home, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, It Takes Two and High Plains Drifter also make up the top 10 list. The new release also impressed critics, scoring a critics Rotten Tomatoes score of 81%, compared to a slightly less audience ranking of 74%. Sharing her thoughts on the platform, Jackie M praised: 'This was just a heart warming film. Every scene was just wonderful. It had comedy to it and that made it perfect.' 'Such a well written story will bring back feelings of nostalgia,' Chris M agreed. 'Award winning cast makes you feel like you are part of the story. 'So great to watch a movie that's funny, touching, and emotional. What a wonderful movie.' Tom Q commented: 'I watched this on a whim and was totally sucked in. In this nasty crazy world we currently live in, a get in you in all the feels movie is just what the doctor ordered. 'Great cast, moving story, now if they could just figure out how to add smell to a television this movie would have us all on our way to Staten Island. Spend 2 hours with the Nonnas you won't regret it.' More Trending 'A refreshing movie that I believe will be a classic. So well done and uplifting in every way and just touched my heartstrings,' Elizabeth M said. 'A must-see that I continue to think about and thoroughly enjoyed.' As Rhyan D added: 'A movie that feels like a warm hug. Great story about how food can be the language of love in a family!' The official synopsis reads: 'After the loss of his mother, a man risks everything to honor her by opening an Italian restaurant with a group of local grandmothers as the chefs.' Nonnas is available to stream on Netflix now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Disney Plus quietly adds 'masterpiece' compared to one of Netflix's best shows MORE: Netflix fans are binge-watching 'unbelievable' thriller soaring up the chart MORE: ITV to finally air 'ridiculous' series that was pulled from screens 2 years ago
Irish Daily Star
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
I made the recipe from Netflix's new hit film and the secret ingredient is a game changer
I recently took a culinary journey inspired by one of Netflix's current top films and made a delightful discovery. Nonnas, which premiered on the streaming giant earlier this month, has quickly become a favorite among viewers. As of now, it holds a solid third place in the platform's top ten chart. The movie features Vince Vaughn as Joe, a man who, following his mother's passing, stakes everything to honor her and his Nonna by launching an Italian restaurant. The unique twist? He exclusively employs local Italian grandmothers as the establishment's chefs. The story is actually based on the real-life experiences of Joe Scaravella, who founded Enoteca Maria in 2007 after losing his grandmother in 1999 and yearning for her homemade meals. According to the film's narrative, one such meal is his Nonna's 'Sunday Gravy', a tomato-based sauce that pairs well with any pasta, reports the Mirror US . The recipe features in Netflix film Nonnas (Image: Netflix) Despite his best efforts, Joe struggles to unlock the secret to the recipe. Without giving too much away, he eventually uncovers the secret left to him by his mother in a letter he had been avoiding. Moved by this touching revelation, I felt compelled to try my hand at this recipe. The result? I've discovered my new go-to dish to whip up. Here are the ingredients and instructions as outlined in the film:. Ingredients: 2 red apples 7 cups water 6 links hot or sweet Italian sausage 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic 1 green bell pepper 2 cans whole tomatoes (14.5-ounce) 1 tablespoon dried or fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon dried or fresh oregano, chopped 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup fresh parsley Method: Chop the apples into quarters, add to the water in a large pot. Simmer over medium heat for one hour. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth; discard apples and set liquid aside to cool. Brown the sausages in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the fat and set the cooked sausages aside. Add olive oil to a large pot and cook the onion and pepper, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and apple cider, cook until smooth. Add basil, oregano, pepper, and parsley. Slice sausages into chunks and add to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 hours. Serve over cooked pasta of your choice. I found my new favourite pasta sauce (Image: Peter Harris) If you're still trying to figure it out, it's the apples that are the secret ingredient Joe was searching for. Simmering them in water lends a subtle sweetness to the sauce (or gravy) without tipping it into dessert territory. It makes all the difference. I didn't have the luxury of living near the market stalls featured in the film, so I had to tweak the recipe and method a bit myself. Hailing from the North West of England, Italian sausages were a no-show at my local grocer. A quick online search suggested Cumberland sausages as a close English counterpart. They lent a pleasant peppery punch to the dish while remaining succulent in the sauce. Next time, though, I'd probably dice them up a bit more. I also initially misread the recipe and only used fresh tomatoes. This likely kept the sauce from achieving the rich red hue seen in the film. So, next round, I'll be sure to toss in canned tomatoes or even passata. I paired the sauce with fresh tagliatelle, but honestly, it would've been a match made in heaven with any pasta variety. I'm already looking forward to cooking the dish again (Image: Peter Harris) The recipe calls for simmering the whole thing for four to six hours, but who has the patience to hover over the stove all weekend? Especially when there are football scores to track. So, I tossed everything into the slow cooker and cranked it up high for four hours. The result? Perfection. In a bid to shave off some cooking time, I'm curious if substituting simmered apples with bottled apple cider or juice would still yield a delectable sauce. Perhaps browning the sausages and tossing everything into the slow cooker right from the get-go could be an option. And for our vegetarian and vegan friends, don't fret – you can simply skip the meat and still end up with a sauce that's just as scrumptious. Nonnas is streaming on Netflix.
