Too Much Anchovy!!

There must be about 50 Italian cookbooks on the shelves of my stepback cupboard, and I have been working on looking through some of my favorites to develop a collection of recipes for Italian aperitivo.
Yesterday's asparagus and anchovies was okay but a little rich - which is the last thing I was looking for since I've been trying to focus more on aperitivo based on vegetables. Otherwise, my husband and I would be stuffing our faces with salty pecorino cheese and delicious sliced salamis, defeating the purpose of trying to live a delicious but healthy life. Although aperitivo can easily consist of a simple spread of olives, salamis and cheeses, I have been looking to explore alternatives and match some of the delicious dishes found in the bars and restaurants I've seen in Florence and Bellagio. Milan is considered to be the capital of the aperitivo, but I haven't explored that city yet. I've also discovered some more things about aperitivo. It can apply to all types of small Italian foods(cakes, fruits, pork butcheries, cheeses, etc.) which are served along with drinks, corresponding to the Spanish concept of tapas and Russian zakouski. Aperitivo can also refer to a social occasion involving cocktails and a light meal without a meal afterwards - which is what ours seems to be developing into, depending on my choice of recipes. Tonight's recipe will be one simple dish, as we have leftovers from last night's aperitivo. I've decided on Fagioli Cannellini in Umido (Cannellini Beans Braised in Tomato and Herbs) - again from Viana LaPlace's Verdura cookbook. This dish is very simple, 'peasant food' as an acquaintance of mine used to say. I'm able to use some of the cute dried Diavolino Napoletano peppers purchased at the Mercato Centale in Florence and a sprig of fresh rosemary from a potted bush in our conservatory. The pottery shown in the upper left corner was purchased in Florence on a quick trip with two of my very good friends several years ago. One of my traveling companions, Teresa, is a consummate traveler, and had been to Florence many, many times. She was a great tour guide as well as someone who encouraged me to purchase the whole set of pottery, plates, dishes, bowls and pitchers (believe me, it didn't take much encouragement, but it's always good having friends support your purchases!) The entire pottery set was shipped to my home and arrived several weeks later in a very large box packed carefully with shredded straw and bubble wrap - nothing broken, chipped or cracked. My husband was surprised at first but eventually came to love the pottery, and my friend Stephanie has shared that it is her favorite of all my pottery. On another note, I was able to solve the problem with my HP mini this morning - HP is sending me the packaging to send it in for repairs, at no cost to me! Hope it doesn't take too long for this - I will miss that little mini! Ciao Bella!