In the Kitchen with Sonia Marzi, the talent behind Fare and Fork (@fareandfork)

Meet Sonia Marzi (@fareandfork) — the creative home cook behind the deliciously cozy recipes that make simple food feel special. Known for her approachable, family-inspired dishes and love for all things homemade, Sonia brings warmth and nostalgia to everything she cooks.

We caught up in the kitchen to chat about her food philosophy, the inspiration behind Fare & Fork, and how she turns everyday ingredients into something unforgettable — like her gooey, golden Leftover Halloween Candy Cookie Skillet baked to perfection in our Broccoli Green Cast Iron Skillet.

Sonia, thank you so much for joining us today! You’ve built such a beautiful community around Fare & Fork, your recipes feel so approachable and full of heart. How did your love for food begin, and where did Fare & Fork come from?

Oh, thank you! Honestly, it all started with my family. I grew up in a big European household — part Italian, part German — where food was everything. Every gathering was noisy, full of laughter, and centred around the table. My German Nana and both of my parents were amazing cooks, and I learned early on that sharing a meal is one of the best ways to connect with people. Fare & Fork really came from wanting to share that same feeling — simple, home-style recipes that anyone can make and enjoy.

That warmth really comes through in your cooking, it feels effortless and unpretentious. If you had to sum up your cooking philosophy, what would you say it is?

For me, good food doesn’t need to be fancy — it just needs to be made with heart. I’m all about simple ingredients cooked with care.

Love that. And speaking of heart… we’re obsessed with your Leftover Halloween Candy Skillet Cookie! It’s such a fun twist. Where did that idea come from?

Honestly? From staring at a pile of leftover candy and thinking, “We can’t just let that sit there!” It’s one of those ideas that came from real life — turning a bit of chaos into something delicious. I’m all about balance — I cook fresh, simple meals most days, but there’s always room for a little sweetness.

You’ve definitely nailed that balance. Tell me about how you made it, and your secret to that perfect cookie texture.

It’s all in creaming the butter and sugar properly! That’s what gives you that chewy centre and crisp edge. I spread the dough into a buttered cast iron skillet and bake it until it’s just golden around the edges. The skillet makes it extra gooey in the middle — so good.

You made it in our Broccoli Green Cast Iron Skillet too, such a gorgeous choice. How did you find baking with cast iron?

I love it! It reminds me of the pans my grandparents used. Cast iron just holds heat so beautifully and gives everything that rustic, golden finish. My biggest tip for anyone new to it? Don’t be afraid of it! Keep it seasoned, avoid using soap, and dry it well. If you look after it, it’ll last you a lifetime — it really becomes part of the family.

That’s such a nice way to put it, “part of the family.” When you’re not creating for Fare & Fork, what’s your go-to comfort dish at home?

Definitely pasta. A big bowl of tagliatelle with slow-cooked beef ragu and way too much Grana Padano cheese on top. It’s simple, comforting, and makes the whole house smell amazing.

I can almost smell it! You’re constantly creating and experimenting, how do you stay inspired in the kitchen?

Inspiration comes from so many places — sometimes it’s a craving, sometimes it’s what’s in season, and sometimes it’s just nostalgia. The smell of onions and garlic frying instantly takes me back to my childhood kitchen. Food always tells a story, and that’s what keeps me inspired.

I love that, food really is storytelling. So, if you could host a dinner party for three dream guests, who would they be and what would you cook?

Oh, that’s easy — Nigella Lawson for her warmth and wisdom, my German Nana Alma for her desserts, and my dad Alberto for his legendary pasta sauce. We’d make a comforting, slow-cooked meal together — something that fills the house with delicious aromas and laughter. And, of course, we’d finish with dessert and probably a little more wine than planned.

That sounds like the perfect night. Before we wrap up, the holidays are around the corner. What’s your favourite festive treat?

My Nana’s Apfel-Streuselkuchen — an apple crumb cake served with vanilla bean whipped cream. We have it every Christmas Eve, and it’s pure joy. That night is always my favourite — the food, the chaos, the laughter. It’s what Christmas is all about.

A huge thank you to Sonia for sharing her time (and her kitchen!) with us. It’s been such a pleasure chatting, baking, and hearing the stories behind Fare & Fork, we can’t wait to see what deliciousness she creates next.