‘o sole mio

the flip-flop-hot-dog days in june and july that spin us around the solstice make up my favorite part of the year. when the sun hovers at 23 º 26′ 17″ north, these happiest of days stretch out long and lazy like a hammock strung between two trees. jim and i linger under the ceiling fans that circle bogus-breezes through our rooms, we eat smoky-sticky barbecued dishes hot off the grill, and float off for a nap under the leafy canopy of shade that loafs across our pool.

che bella cosa e’ na jurnata ‘e sole—

what a beautiful thing is a sunny day.

dried chilies can be hot or mild, fruity, spicy, and smoky.
to reconstitute: cover them in water in a small sauce pan and bring it to a boil. allow them to cool in their own liquid. remove the stems and seeds—chop or mince.