[High Flying Spaghetti]
The crew: everyone in our ensemble helps unload and set up and take down our ring.
An appetite for community:
Our ensemble has been working together for many years, and we have found that when you work so deeply together on creative endeavors, you almost inevitably build strong bonds and rich relationships. The long term commitment and collaboration of our dedicated artists makes the work possible. Here lies the foundation for the sense of community and family at the heart of our beloved Circus Bella company. With the support of its company, Circus Bella survives and even thrives under the unexpected blips bump and foibles of life in the ring.
Perhaps most familiarly, Circus Bella shares food in celebration of both our extraordinary and commonplace camaraderie. It goes without saying, during the season, we make sure we share some meals together as a company. Our favorite local restaurants know us by name. During the months in the tent, we eagerly look forward to our between-show-BBQ’s. The summer is marked by donuts, cakes, sandwiches, burritos, popsicles and burgers and fresh coffee provided by Orlene. Bananas and Trader Joe’s peanut butter pretzels wait vigilantly on standby for emergency hunger situations. And like all families, we excitedly share our own traditions and nostalgia through what we craft out of our own kitchens. Second to performing, our company loves to share and eat.
At the end of every season, our company convenes for the most legendary of coordinating and culinary endeavors:
The Spaghetti Dinner!
(Rumor has it, the record of spaghetti eaten by the cast was set in 2016 at a whopping 14 lbs of pasta!)
From the Bella Kitchen to you:
High Flying Abigails Spaghetti Sauce
Meat Sauce (Serves 8)
1 T olive oil
1 onion - finely chopped
4 cloves garlic - finely chopped
1 lb ground meat (beef, pork or turkey or a combo)
½ teaspoon chili flakes
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
½ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
2 - 28 cans of Italian plum tomatoes (whole - and then crushed, food processed, or chopped yourself - yes, it makes a difference)
2 bay leaves
Salt to taste (it will depend on the tomatoes)
Heat Olive Oil in the pan and add the onions.
When translucent add garlic and saute until fragrant - 1 ish min
Add meat, chili, salt, pepper and oregano and saute until meat begins to brown.
Add tomatoes, parsley, bay leaves and extra salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer on low for a LONG TIME - (1 hour minimum - up to 4 hours) Use the time to wash costumes, clean out show bags and manage final details for upcoming dates.
Serve with freshly cooked spaghetti, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. 1 pound of spaghetti for 4 hungry circus performers!
Vegetarian Tomato Sauce (Serves 4)
1 T olive oil
½ teaspoon chili flakes
½ teaspoon ground pepper
2 - 28 cans of Italian plum tomatoes (whole - and then crushed, food processed, or chopped yourself - yes, it makes a difference)
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste (it will depend on the tomatoes)
Heat Olive Oil in the pan
Add tomatoes, bay leaf, Chili and extra salt and pepper to taste
Simmer on low for about an hour - be careful not to scald the bottom of the pan.
Serve with freshly cooked spaghetti, chopped parsley, and parmesan cheese. 1 pound of spaghetti for 4 hungry circus performers!
