March 16, 2013
Friends came over the other day, arms loaded with wild asparagus. A gorgeous gift! These stalks are damn hard to find–they play hide and seek with you. When you finally spot a lone spear (because they don’t grow in clumps), you have stick your arm into a beehive of prickers to get at them.
I have been loving the bouquet (they stay fresh in water). But now it’s time to say goodbye.
They are destined, tonight, for pasta con gli asparagi and frittata di asparagi.
Can’t wait!
Have a great weekend, and thanks for reading, amici.
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Here’s a link to my story about the first time I stalked asparagus in Sicily. It may give you some insight into the lover-boy attitude of the Sicilian male.
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But they look so beautiful in water! And these shots are nothing short of amazing! I felt like I could grab the beautiful wild asparagi through the screen! Do tell us how delicious the pasta and frittata were! 🙂
Ciao Jann, What a site of those delicous delicate Asparagus, awaiting to be blended into a lovely Fritta and of course some Caccio-Cavallo, hope I’m close to the correct spelling. Enjoy Ragusa, by the way I viewed a site, which showed the new Marina, very impressive.
John, I remember that area before all the development, and I loved it then….
Yum — fresh asparagus! Should be a wonderful meal tonight!
Was indeed, Debbie. Thanks for commenting!
How touching..I did not know the facts about asparagus + Thank you. I bet you make a grand pasta + frittata xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Ciao Peggy–it was one great meal!
I just know you gave those asparagi a good send off Jann. I hope they tasted as good as they looked. One of my absolute favourite things to do in Italy in Spring – eat pasta con gli asparagi. It doesn’t get much better does it? What time’s dinner again???? xxx
Janine, wish you could have joined us.
Yummy wild asparagus Jann. I love your description of how the stalks play hide and seek with you 🙂 Buona domenica 🙂
Ciao Cathy–I just perused your lovely site and look forward to going back in time thru it!
Your portrait of the day and Signor B is wonderful, Jann. Seems you’ve learnt the lesson about making life a work of art. Brava! xx
Ciao SG–still so much to learn.
Sweet friends, a sweet bouquet in a sweet pot, and a sweet supper! Now I’m hungry…
‘Twas a sweet supper, indeed, louciao…xxxxxx
Your stories always make me want to jump on a plane and come to live with you.
What a life you’ve created!
🙂 The more the merrier Lorna! I’ll expect you on my doorstep someday.
I remember them. My family and I used to go on food gathering “expeditions” picking almonds (my favorites!), asparagus, snails, and other goodies. It was great fun and loved them all. My mother used to make an amazing asparagus frittata that was out of this world. Thank you for the memories 🙂
Isn’t it fun to eat hand-picked stuff that you find in the wild? Someday I have to get courageous enough to pick and cook snails. That day is coming, but not yet… Thanks for stopping by, Carmela.
Sounds and looks delicious Jann! I loved the linked story, very sweet – I understand the machismo thing a whole lot better now too 🙂
🙂 Thanks Susan…
Love the story and the shots!! Bon
Grazie, Natalie.
It is still too cold here for asparagus. I wish spring would hurry.
Spring’s been in full bloom here for a while, Debra, though sunny days have been few and far between. (But a sunny spell is starting today, thank goodness.)
I bet your pasta will be incredible and how gorgeous they look in that pot…..yum
love lisa
We made a mess and licked our lips, Lisa.
Lucky you, to have friends who will pick the asparagus for you. I would love to be able to find the stuff. But, I am a happy girl to receive a gift of those long thin stalks. I always display them in a beautiful vase for a few days before cooking them up in an omelette. Bliss!
Your wonderful photos do them justice. Brava, Jann!
Anitre, I bet you’ve got lots of it out near where you are. Just find some old stone walls!!
Jann,
Loved, loved your story on Signor Battaglia —- so charming and descriptive! These are the experiences all of us would love to have. I had a wonderful encounter several years ago in Cefalu in the charming calzolaio of a shoemaker who specialized in custom racing shoes for Formula 1 drivers. We discussed (with him gently correcting my Italian) Andrea Camilleri, and soon three other women joined in, excited that an American knew the books of Montalbano. He gave me his business card, and we emailed back and forth several times. Priceless.
Thank you, Jan. And I loved your description of the encounter with the shoemaker & his friends! Those special encounters are really what we remember from travels, don’t you think?
Beautifully written story. I felt as though I was seeing it all in
magnificent color. Sad ending but honest to life.
Vicki–thank you so much for reading the story. He was a great man and I miss him.
To me, asparagus is like a beautiful delicacy. I Loooove. One year for Christmas- I wrapped it around bacon. It was a HIT.
On my way over to read your piece: Stalkign Asparagus. Xxxxx LOooooooooVE.
Oh, bacon and asparagus. Great idea, Kim!
Hi Jann~ I know you are a photographer, however, I just read Stalking Asparagus- and your writing is awesome!
Sue, thank you for reading the story, and how kind your comment is. Grazie mille!