Bagna calda, translates into “hot bath” And that is what we are going to make: a hot bath of good olive oil that has been infused with garlic and anchovies. It is sublime, not fishy, and has a fantastic umami flavor to it. I have been crazy about this appetizer for years. You can serve it like this a first course or use it as a dip on a platter surrounded by raw and cooked vegetables….or even drizzle on a salad!.

A confetti egg is a name I came up with because I thought it sounded a whole lot better than hard-boiled and brined eggs! These are perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs that we place in beet juice brine so that the whites turn a brilliant shade of pink. Sprinkled with “confetti” vegetables, it’s a festive way to start a party!

As the name implies, this your last chance to use those summer beauties! It doesn’t matter if they are ugly or even blemished—just cut them up and blend them into this sublime chilled tomato goodness. Serve alongside a crispy Parmigiano Reggiano cheese crisp (that are so quick and easy to make—and totally addictive).