Olive tree v Fiat Panda

18th May 2007

This morning I am splashing water onto the old worn terracotta floor in the girl’s bedroom, mopping and wondering. Wondering how many work-sore feet have padded these rough, cool tiles? Who else has slept in these high beamed rooms and what secrets have fallen between the cracks? Within these walls people have been born and people have died. They’ve drunk wine, laughed, cried, made love and made pasta.

My musing is disturbed by a loud crashing noise and much commotion outside the front of the casa. Delio (or Elio, not sure which), who turns out to be an eighty year old former inhabitant, who has come to shoot the breeze with mio marito, has reversed his Fiat Panda into the beloved olive tree. Not much damage to the tree (or to the Panda), but the enormous pot is smashed to bits.
Good job we’re in Italy, land of enormous pots.

Best thing I ate today:
Pasta sauce with chicken and courgettes

Whilst practising quick and easy lunches for prospective art courses, I rather successfully cooked this up. Make sure you don’t overcook the courgettes or add too much cream, the idea is to keep it light and fresh-tasting. (This makes enough sauce for two people)

1 chicken breast, chopped into very small pieces
1 small onion and 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 courgette, finely grated
1 teaspoon of good stock granules
2 or 3 tablespoons of single cream
A splash of white wine or vermouth

In a proper frying pan, sweat the onions and the garlic, add the chicken and stir. (The idea is not to colour it too much.)
Add the courgettes and stir vigorously.
Add the cream, stock and a splash of white wine or vermouth, I prefer vermouth.
Let it bubble-up for a few minutes.
Add a handful of coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley and tip the whole lot into some (hopefully) al dente pasta.

Where to get it ;
make it yourself!

Comments

[Jadeane & Rob]

Turn about is fair play.. TY for stopping by my new blog.. you try my potato & artichoke casserole and I.. your chicken & courgette w/ linguini. This sounds just delicious!

I'm really enjoying 'poking' around your fun site as well.. so many memories swimming around in my head now :o)

PS.. My hubby is a watercolorist, who never wanted to return to the states when we were in Italy LOL! I'll be watching for your upcoming plein air workshops.