I haven't fallen off of the face of the earth, in case you were wondering.
I never go this long without dropping by to say hi, but the past couple of weeks were really busy. There were the Easter holidays with good friends visiting from overseas, two long holiday week ends to follow, kids home from school for way too long and major work deadlines plus a little trip.
Now we are back and I can't wait to tell you about a salad we had while we were away.
Crisp yet tender, very slightly bitter leaves interspersed with crunchy morsels of pancetta set off by a drizzle of syrupy, aged balsamic vinegar.
If you want to make this, the first thing to do is head over to the market take a nice long walk with your family and some good friends. Somewhere like here.
(I'm guessing you could probably find these greens in some markets, but I have personally never come across them in Milan).
Stride down paths, through fields and pastures and enjoy the nature that surrounds you, breathe in the fresh air, let the sun shine on your face and warm your skin. Be thankful for the beauty this planet has to offer and for good friends.
Run around, climb a tree, stop for a snack of mountain cheese and apples. If you are lucky, you might come across a deer antler, an eagle's feather, some roe deer tracks in the mud/snow and 'blueberries' according to my son (...they were actually a little something left behind by the roe deer).
And then, when you sit down to rest for a few minutes and drink some fresh spring water, you might come across something that looks like this.
Look closely, because this is what you are having for dinner.
