small bunch basil, shredded
Method
Gently cook the onion, carrots and celery in the oil in a large saucepan for 20 minutes, until soft. Splash in water if they stick. Add the sugar, garlic, purée, herbs and courgettes and cook for 4–5 minutes on a medium heat until they brown a little.
Pour in the beans, tomatoes and stock, then simmer for 20 minutes. If you’re freezing it, cool and do so now (freeze for up to three months). If not, add half the Parmesan and the pasta and simmer for 6–8 minutes until the pasta is cooked. Sprinkle with basil and remaining Parmesan to serve. If frozen, defrost then reheat before adding pasta and cheese and continuing as above.
9
Marc was still awake when Christa’s car came up the driveway. He checked the time. One in the morning. Whatever professional event she had been at ran late, he thought and then checked himself. It was none of his business but still it made him curious. She said she didn’t know anyone in York and now she was out at events until one in the morning.
Leaving his office, he entered the foyer of the house just as Christa walked inside.
‘Oh hello, I hope I didn’t wake you,’ she said.
‘Not at all, I was finishing some work and about to head to bed but was going to turn the tree lights off first.’
Christa looked at the tree. ‘It’s a magnificent tree. The boys did a beautiful job.’
Marc looked up at the tree that was twinkling in the semi darkness. The scent of the pine was soothing and the little angel on top was looking down at them.
‘Even for a Scrooge like me, this is pretty nice,’ he said with a small laugh.
‘Do you want a cup of tea?’ she asked him. ‘I’m going to make a decaf one. Always helps me sleep.’
Marc was tired but he wanted to stay up with Christa.
‘Love one, although I hate tea. Can I have coffee?’
Christa turned to him as she opened the kitchen door. ‘Coffee? At this time? Will you sleep?’
Marc shrugged. ‘I’ll get a few hours’ sleep – it’s okay.’
He turned on the kitchen lights and Christa made them their drinks and sat down at the kitchen table.
‘I can smell sausages,’ Marc said, sniffing the air. ‘Did you eat sausages tonight?’ He paused. ‘God sorry, that was rude. It’s a nice smell, just in case you were worried.’
Christa laughed. ‘That’s good to know. Yes, there were sausages at the event I attended.’
‘So it wasn’t a black-tie affair I guess?’ he teased.
‘Are you saying sausages can’t be fancy?’ she said, pretending to be offended. ‘Not everything is foie gras and caviar in the world.’
Marc laughed. ‘I actually hate both of those things.’
Christa took the fudge out of the fridge and he watched her carefully cut the remaining pieces into little squares. ‘Don’t worry I won’t give you the rhubarb one,’ she said as she put down the plate.
Marc looked at the plate and took a small piece of chocolate fudge and popped it in his mouth.
‘The tree was a good idea. Thanks for the push,’ he said.
Christa pulled off her woolly hat and he watched her hair stick up with the static as she sipped her tea. ‘It wasn’t a push, it was a suggestion.’
‘Thanks for the suggestion then,’ he said supressing the desire to smooth her hair down.
‘So, what’s your Christmas battle scar?’ she asked.
‘What do you mean?’ he asked but he knew what she really wanted to know.
