After months of hard work under the rain and then the scorching California sun, the small farmstead where I live with my husband is finally beginning to bear fruit.
I can finally put into practice the art my parents taught me—cultivating healthy ingredients and lovingly caring for animals that, with their products, can support our diet. This summer is truly special!
On July 4th, just like every other morning, I went to the chicken coop and discovered a wonderful surprise: our first egg! In the days that followed, the eggs increased, and within a few weeks, each hen was laying 3-4 eggs a week. Preparing dishes with fresh eggs from our hens is an unparalleled experience! The color and taste of these eggs are distinctly superior to those you can find in supermarkets.
My vegetable garden is also a vibrant explosion of colors and flavors. Garlic, potatoes, parsley, basil, lettuce, radicchio, Swiss chard, zucchini, eggplants, and tomatoes are just the first delights from my garden that will keep us company for the rest of the summer!
Preparing pesto alla genovese with basil, garlic, and potatoes from my garden for a client's dinner was magical, and even the clients noticed the unique flavors. The roasted new potatoes were irresistibly crispy, and the fried zucchini flowers were as sweet and crunchy as ever.
Every morning, when I visit my garden, just looking at the ingredients inspires me to think of the perfect recipe for the dinners or events I host. It's the most natural and spontaneous process for me to create a dish. Italian vegetarian cuisine is incredibly diverse. In fact, every region in Italy, with its culinary traditions, offers a vast array of vegetarian dishes, including appetizers, main courses, and side dishes for every season.
Each region has its specialties: artichokes in Puglia, asparagus in Veneto, pumpkins from Mantova, peppers from Asti, San Marzano tomatoes, and many more.
Here in California, the mild and favorable climate of the area where I live allows me to cultivate a wide variety of vegetables throughout different seasons. The clean air, ocean humidity, and warm sun provide the perfect environment for growing healthy, beautiful, and delicious vegetables.
If you'd like to taste the delights from my garden or enjoy authentic fresh pasta made with farm-fresh eggs at a special Italian summer dinner, feel free to write to me at hello@caponatina.com.
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