Results of Our Labor - August Harvest - Frutti dell'Orto in Agosto

Even with a scorching summer, our garden crop is bountiful.

Peppers everywhere -

It's hot!

Friers

Semi-sweet - perfect for charred peppers

 Different variety of beans

 beans of choice











Tomatoes - all shapes and sizes

Spicy Peppers and Weight Loss

According to a new research at the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, eating your chili peppers may reduce your waistline. Supposedly, the heat generated by the hot peppers can cause your body to burn calories.

Horn Italian peppers (our favorite)

My husband just picked the hot peppers, strung them and hung to dry.

Strung (incrollati) peppers hanging to dry

Once the peppers dry naturally, we make pepper flakes.

Semi-dried red hot peppers

A Great Aperitif in Our Home - Caffe' Borghetti

We were introduced to Caffe' Borghetti, an espresso-based liqueur, in Italy several years ago and it has become a favorite in our home.

Borghetti is much more than a liqueur.  It's a perfect combination of real espresso coffee with the warmth and sharpness of alcohol.  Perfect by itself or on ice. Or mixed as a base for drinks or sophisticated cocktails.

Great on the rocks with lemon

As of September 1st, Borghetti is running a contest.  Tell them your greatest desire and you may win a 7-day  Los Angeles vacation.

http://www.caffeborghetti.com/il-desiderio-piu-grande-del-mondo/

Check out their new ad campaign "Desiderio Espresso"

http://www.caffeborghetti.com/brand-borghetti/la-comunicazione/

Amateur video by me.  I hope you enjoy it.

Nature at Its Best

As I cleaned the lawn today, I saw a hole in the grass and some fur.  As I investigated the
hole further, I saw the dirt moving and out popped this baby rabbit.

Baby rabbits nest

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens and nature.


— Anne Frank

CIPOLLATA

    Cipollata is connected to the Italian word for onion "cipolla". It’s known as an onion and tomato soup, but the name describes different dishes in different parts of Italy.

                            

Ingredients - peppers, onions and tomatoes

           Being from Abruzzo, this particular cipollata recipe calls for onions, green hot peppers and tomatoes as a base.   Having an abundance of tomatoes, onions and peppers in the garden, I preserve this cipollata, like I preserve salsa. In the winter, just pop a jar open, warm up and add eggs sunny side-up.

Cipollata ready to be served

Ingredients - 2 persons

2 medium onions sliced

4 eggs

5 hot or sweet green frying peppers sliced

1/3 cup olive oil

2 chopped tomatoes or 1 small can chopped tomatoes

Salt and pepper

In a hot iron pan, add oil, and saute' onions until golden.  Remove the onions and set aside

In same pan fry the peppers.  (If there is a need for a little more oil add before frying the peppers.)  Remove the peppers and set aside.

In the same pan, add the tomatoes, salt and pepper and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Add the fried peppers and onions to the cooked tomatoes.

With a fork, create 4 holes.  In each hole, place an egg.  Cover for a few minutes until the egg whites are firm and serve.

Great with Italian crusty bread.

GREAT BIG FLAVORS FROM SUMMER GRILLING

We enjoy the lazy days of summer by grilling quality vegetables and fish.

Charred Vegetable Salad

Grilled Fresh Sardines (Sarde)

You may also like: 

Sardines: Why they are good for you

Bruschetta with Tomato and Arugula

Let your garden dictate what's on your plate.  Then, just add olive oil.

Topping

3 ripe tomatoes, diced

3 ounces of arugula, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Bread

12 (1/2-inch) small slices rustic artisan bread

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1. To prepare topping, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.  Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
2. To prepare bread, toast or grill bread until golden.  Combine olive oil and garlic.  Brush on toasted bread.  Top bread with tomato mixture.  Serve 6.