Seasonal

Ah, summer! I could define that with long drives, longer days, and the longest meals out out of the year. Out on a sidewalk café, out back in the garden al fresco, or out on the town with friends and family are just some of the ways I spend it best. Summer eats are light, full of flavor, and best of all shareable. Waves of small amounts over a long period of time suits me just fine. Below, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite eats to cook up in summer that are practical, seasonal and, most importantly, shareable.

Featured Favorites

Insalata di riso is a cool summertime rice dish tossed with fresh tomatoes, olives, garlic and pickled mushrooms, peppers, and onions. With lemon juice, it is just divine.

Sicilian Eggplant Parmigiana, which is prepared over the stovetop, is a delicious recipe from Sambuca and a new favorite of mine. Learn how you can prepare favorite dishes without running an oven this summer.

Wild Mushroom Risotto is one of my summer favorites as I spent July and August weekends foraging wild mushrooms for cooking, drying, and pickling. Whether you pick them or buy them, transform them into a buttery dish – served warm or chilled.

Italian risotto

Sautéed Cannellini Beans with Fresh Greens can be severed as a starter or as a main dish. Full of flavor, texture, and the scents of summer, it is a perfect dish best served with a chilled glass of wine.

Prepare your own Strawberry Rhubarb and Rum Jam at home. Plan in advance, if you can, to pick your own and save them for a lazy Saturday morning inside. A sweet day indeed that will last for many more days to come.

Bake your own Umbrian Bread and smother it with in-season vegetables, homemade sauces, and your favorites cheeses. Never a crumb left – bet me.