June on the lake
June on Lake Como is a delightful celebration of summer's arrival, with the warm sun shining over the glistening waters and the sloping hillsides. The entire region buzzes with activity as locals and visitors enjoy the blooming gardens, vibrant cultural events, and breathtaking historical villas that make this area so enchanting.
Discovering Lake Como's Magnificent Villas
Exploring the historic villas around Lake Como offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor. Here are the top five villas you shouldn’t miss:
Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): Famous for its stunning terraced gardens and dramatic views over the lake, this villa has been the setting for many films, including Star Wars and James Bond.
Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): Known for its beautiful botanical gardens and impressive art collections, including works by Canova and Hayez. The villa offers a tranquil escape with its lush landscapes and historic charm.
Villa Monastero (Varenna): Originally a Cistercian convent, this villa boasts exquisite gardens that stretch along the lake’s shore, featuring a variety of exotic plants and classical statues.
Villa Melzi (Bellagio): Surrounded by an English-style garden, this villa is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Visitors can enjoy the serene pathways and breathtaking views of the lake.
Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio): A grand villa known for its extensive park and panoramic views. The villa itself is not open to the public, but the gardens are accessible through guided tours, offering insights into its illustrious history.
Ingredient of the Month: Zucchini (Courgette)
June brings an abundance of zucchini, a versatile vegetable that features prominently in Italian summer cuisine. Zucchini's mild flavor and tender texture make it ideal for a variety of dishes, from simple sautés to elaborate creations. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy zucchini:
Zucchini Fritti: Lightly battered and fried zucchini slices make for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Stuffed Zucchini: Hollowed-out zucchini filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, then baked to perfection.
Zucchini Carpaccio: Thinly sliced raw zucchini dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan shavings for a refreshing summer salad.
Pasta with Zucchini and Mint: A light and aromatic pasta dish that combines sautéed zucchini with fresh mint and a sprinkle of grated cheese.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Stuffed Zucchini Flowers
Celebrate the season with this elegant and delicious recipe featuring zucchini flowers, a true delicacy of Italian cuisine. This recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the delicate flavor of zucchini flowers, perfect as an appetizer or a light snack.
Ingredients:
12 fresh zucchini flowers
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sparkling water
Olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
Carefully clean the zucchini flowers, removing the pistils while keeping the flowers intact.
In a bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Gently fill each zucchini flower with the ricotta mixture, twisting the tops of the flowers to close them.
In another bowl, mix the flour and sparkling water to create a light batter.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each stuffed flower into the batter, then fry until golden and crispy.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
To ensure the batter adheres well and fries up crispy, make sure the zucchini flowers are dry before dipping them into the batter. Pat them gently with a paper towel if necessary.
For a delightful pairing with the Stuffed Zucchini Flowers, I recommend an Italian white wine that complements the delicate flavors of the dish without overpowering them, such as a Pinot Grigio, a firm classic from Northern Italy, particularly from the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli. Pinot Grigio offers bright acidity and flavors of pear, green apple, and citrus that complement the fried zucchini flowers perfectly.
Looking forward to welcoming you to our next culinary adventure by the lake!
Warm regards,
The Lake Como Kitchen Experience Team