Buon giorno! A soggy Sunday morning. Ideal weather for staying in the kitchen. I've been making a "sugu di maile" (tomato sauce with pork). The house is filled with the perfect rainy day aromas. They're so warm and comforting.

This past week I've been "experimenting" in the kitchen. I made young tender fave beans with their pods. Something I'd always heard about, but never tried. So delicious! You cut away the two "strings" on either side of the pod and then you simmer both pods and beans until tender. Drain the remaining water and start to saute with a bit of olive oil. I threw in some garlic when I was simmering. As you saute, add some breadcrumbs and a bit of grated pecorino cheese.  Really, to die for! I nearly ate the entire skillet full.

The other fun "experiment" was with some old flowering broccoli. I cut the broccoli up into small pieces and boiled that with some frozen spinach. When the broccoli was tender. I drained the vegetables and smashed it all up in a bowl. I added some flour, breadcrumbs and a bit of grated parmesean. I added a bit of water and made a paste like batter. Then I dropped little spoonfuls into a skillet with some oil and made little patties. Before turning them, I pressed a little piece of pecorino into the center of the patty. They were crispy on the outside and so moist and tender on the inside. I brought them downstairs to share with "the gang" as a little appetizer with a glass of house wine. They were gone before they cooled down!

The rain is falling yet again and it's time to put my pot of water on for the handmade macaroni. (the traditional pasta served with the pork sauce).

Until next time, wish you were here!