L'estate Insalata

by Patricia Nieh
(Portola Valley, CA, USA)

Who wouldn't jump at the chance to dine at the home of a friend in Tuscany? I arrived right on time and was charmed with the table outdoors set with sturdy crockery. Hens scratched about nearby.

I was introduced to family members who welcomed me warmly. They tactfully navigated their way through my stumbling Italian as we traded pleasantries. Meanwhile I was peripherally intrigued by the tantalizing aromas emanating from the kitchen.

We were all soon eating delicious pasta and then the next course was triumphantly delivered by the perspiring cook. A large platter of something brown and lumpy was passed around. I shot at inquisitive look at the person next to me. "Bull's balls!"
he said in his best American English.

I tried but could not partake in that quintessentially Italian dish. Here's one I did eat and enjoy.

INGREDIENTS