Young beans can be used without slipping the skins. Look for pods that are more green than brown and not too heavy or swollen. They are younger and more tender. If you find them in the freezer section at your market, stock up!

Corn is more American than apple pie. Soon roadside stands and markets will be piled high with sweet corn. We use half the butter to grill the corn and half to serve at the table. This is very satisfying for a Dad’s Day Cookout. You may want to double the recipe for the compound butter.

The peperonata is a typical dish of stewed vegetables. Giovanni Cavalli still remembers with pleasure the peperonata prepared by his mother Maria. It was served as a vegetable side dish or it could be pureed to use as a sauce. Leftovers were used for ensuing meals. The re-heated dish is even more tasty.