Zucchini blossoms

A delicacy! Harvest the male blossoms (these have long stems and won’t produce fruit) early in the morning. Rinse carefully and dry on paper towels, removing the stamens. You can stuff them with a ricotta cheese mixture or just dip them in the batter and fry until golden brown. I can close my eyes, take a bite, and I am instantly back at a little sidewalk cafe in Assisi, Italy!

Recipes abound on the internet, but I like this simple batter:

1 1/4 cup flour

1 tsp salt

12 oz chilled Pilsner beer or club soda

vegetable oil for frying - heat to 350 degrees

coarse salt to sprinkle on top

Whisk all ingredients together and allow to rest a few minutes. Gently dip the blossoms in the batter and fry until golden brown. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and serve - you can add a dollop of fresh tomato sauce to the plate if you like. A little taste of heaven!