Thursday, February 10, 2011

La Zucchina Fiorisce

Have you ever eaten zucchini blossoms?
Day 10 of life without a hair dryer and I've solved the mystery as to why the homeless harmonica player keeps hitting on me! We're starting to look alike. I'll bet he thinks we use the same stylist.

My blow dryer died the second I arrived and this town doesn't sell them. Or, so they say. As I look at all of the intimidatingly (is that a word?) beautiful Italian women I'm beginning to suspect this is just a big fat lie. Perhaps they want the token American to look a little ragged.

Heathers adorn the walkways along the river.
My Italian friend has been such a gracious host that I wanted to surprise her by preparing a full-on meal in my teeny tiny kitchen. Hindsight being what it is, this morning I'm giggling at my silliness of deciding to cook Mexican ~ in South Tyrol, Italy ~ where no one's ever heard of a tomatillo.

From now on, I'll default to what they do have to offer, which is a curious array of practical, delectable dishes that had never occurred to me.

Like zucchini blossoms. These pretty, yellow flowers decorate the produce section, still attached to that familiar green veg.

Did you know they're edible?
  • Create a batter with eggs, milk and flour, then fry them in hot oil. 
  • Or, stuff with prosciutto and Parmesan, dip 'em in batter, and then fry them. 
(I imagine there are healthier ways to serve these, but I'm on vacation so let's not even go there...)

Seeing a little bit of color today.
My baby Hyacinth seems very 
happy in her new home.

* La zucchina fiorisce = zucchini blossoms.  This is my bloggin' diary from Bressanone, Italy where I'm living and working for the month of February.

13 comments:

Victoria said...

Beautiful post..gorgeous heathers! So lovely , you and your friend! Yes I LOVE zuchinni blossoms..we grew up on them..being Italian..they are such a deliscious treat..my mother is a fabulous cook! Yay..happy to know you enjoyed them too!
Beautiful post..have a sparkling wkd ahead!

Brenda said...

Beautiful post and even more beautiful pictures!!! I loved the zucchini blossoms!

ProfessorRoush said...

Sorry Kate, but anything is edible battered in eggs and flour and fried in oil....or stuffed with cheese. The most we can say is that the zucchini isn't toxic and doesn't lend a bad flavor to the dish :)

Lona said...

The heather is so pretty. I have tried pumpkin blossoms fried but not zucchini. Most likely because my family never grew zucchini.It is hard to believe that they do not have hairdryers.Sounds like it has been a lovely and interesting stay so far.

Marguerite said...

Kate, I'm loving your adventure. Your vacation has been a breath of fresh air for me. I've heard of eating zuchini blossoms but never tried. What do they taste like?

Marcela said...

I'm amazed at your pictures. Colours are so stunning!

KC said...

No hairdryer means more time to enjoy yourself. Do they sell hats? That may be the answer;-)

Haven't tried zucchini blossoms but if you made them I'm sure they would be delicious.

How's JohnJohn doing with all the "kids"?

Snowcatcher said...

Life without a hairdryer in winter.... brrrrrrr!

I have never tried zucchini blossoms, but maybe I should, since I haven't managed to get the blossoms to turn into zucchini in Colorado...

Unknown said...

Great post! My Italian-American family has been gobbling the blossoms for years. It used to be embarrassing but I am over that now.

I only wish I could get my foster kids to eat them! Anything other than junk food!!!

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Kiki!
Here's to an adventurous weekend for one and all.

Thx, Brenda;
It's easy to take pretty photos over here, the natural light seems a little less harsh than back home.

How very true, Prof. :)

Hi, Lona;
Pumpkin blossoms? I may have to try those when I get home. As Roush so nicely explained, if it's deep fried it's gonna be good!

Thx, Marguerite;
It's been a breath of fresh air for me, too. I really needed this diversion... Refer to the Professor for flavor descriptors (tee hee)

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Hi, Marcella;
I'm glad you're enjoying the photos!

Hats, hmmm... good idea, KC;
If I'd known my Italy month would involve daily bad hair days I'd have commissioned you to knit me some stellar hats!

You nailed, it Snowcatcher;
I don't want to venture out with wet hair (because it will freeze) so the scenario is twice as ugly. I don't shower before I go to the coffee shop. :)

Hi, Ficurinia;
Can we call 'em Z-Chips or something so the kids 'think' they're junk food??

Wunx~ said...

Hey Kate, looks like you landed on your feet after the despicable travel adventures. Your photos are wonderful (and making me envious.) Dinner and slide show at my house after you get home and recover from jet lag (and longing sunny Italy sickness?)

Garden Forum said...

The flowers are so gorgeous and amazing colors.
Lively!!!
Thanks for sharing this.