When in Rome... You Have to Try This

When in Rome... You Have to Try This!

One of Rome's summertime treats -- fiori di zucca or fried zucchini flowers. They're light and airy. Romans like to stuff them with cheese and fry them until scrumptiously crisp.

So, to help you stay warm this week, we're sharing our Roman-approved recipe for authentic fiori di zucca. When the sunny days return, be sure to try this recipe in your own kitchen. Better yet, you could share it now to inspire friends to summer in Rome.

AUTHENTIC RECIPE FOR CRISP FRIED ZUCCHINI FLOWERS

When in Venice, savor some seafood.

When in Tuscany, try the olive oil.

When in Rome, eat fried food.

In the summer, Rome’s outdoor markets abound with orange-and-green zucchini blossoms . Roman like to stuff fiori di zucca with a bit of cheese, frying them until crisp. Both elegant restaurants and more rustic pizzerias serve fried antipasti in the Eternal City. Fritto misto alla romana might include mix of fiori di zucca (fried zucchini flowers), olive ascolane (fried olives), and mozzarelline fritte (fried mozzarella balls).

Below, we’re sharing our Rome-approved recipe for fried zucchini flowers. You’re not tasting Rome unless you try a plate of this gooey-centered fried goodness. Ask for the flowers at your local farmer’s market in the sunnier months.

FIORI DI ZUCCA ALLA ROMANA

* 10-15 zucchini flowers

* 2-3 eggs

* 1 cup flour

* 4 tablespoons of beer

* oil for frying

* 1 fresh mozzarella ball sliced into thin strips

* Anchovy fillets (or none if you don't like them)