That was a particularly important day. In fact, an invitation had come from the forest to the delegates of each animal species who were supposed to gather in an assembly during which a very serious topic would be discussed. There was absolutely no one missing. The first to speak was the lion, the undisputed King of animals. In the respectful general silence he said: "Dear subjects, we have gathered today with the aim of establishing a lasting peace between us, eliminating every dispute and every envy to thus be able to face together any dangers caused by man to nature". The speech continued for a long time, underlined by applause of assent. They were therefore all in agreement: it was necessary to unite to overcome any problem.

At the end of the assembly, each animal took part in the large lunch organized for the occasion. There was plenty of food and plenty of drink. When everyone was full and satisfied, someone asked the monkey, who was notoriously cheerful and lively, to liven up the ceremony with some fun shows. This, without being asked, climbed onto the platform and with agility and sympathy began a hilarious number full of acrobatic jumps, somersaults and dances. Ecstatic the spectators applauded like never before, amused by the skill of that unusual comedian.

The only one who remained silent was the camel who, jealous of the monkey's success, decided to perform on stage too, drawing attention to himself. This funny animal started a clumsy and awkward dance. He was not at all agile or funny. Among the general boos he was thus forced to retreat, hiding in a corner where he thought back to the good intentions that had been discussed during the assembly: of course, to all remain united and friends he had to begin to swallow a bit of his own envy.

 

Parsley

Roman gladiators ate it before fights! Stimulates appetite, helps digestion, alertness and diuresis. Place a handful of leaves in a liter of boiling water. Sweeten with honey and drink 1 cup after meals.

mallow

Horace claimed to feed only on olives, chicory and mallow. Cicero even had indigestion! The holy Benedictine nun Hildegard prescribed it to treat drowsiness and headaches, kidney disorders and poisoning. In the 500th century there were doctors ready to state that "anyone who drinks a potion of mallow every day will be safe from any ailment for that day". Once upon a time it was used to prepare soups or boiled as a side dish to meat. it is excellent for treating all inflammatory diseases, it is calming and facilitates the elimination of toxins. Put 15 pinches of flowers, or 20 of leaves, or 30 crushed roots, or 20 of the three-part mixture, into a liter of boiling water. Drink 3 or 4 cups of this infusion a day to calm coughs, colds and bronchitis.

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Good to know

When you are unable to remove the patina formed by dust on the plaster figurines of an old nativity scene, try boiling a handful of starch in a little water, let it cool and immerse the figurine. Then leave it to dry and then gently wipe it with a cloth.

You can get one crispy fried adding a few drops of lemon to the hot oil.

La coffeepot it is cleaned thoroughly by placing coarse salt in the container where the ground coffee is normally placed. Heat it up, let all the water out and then rinse.

To remove coffee stains and tea from porcelain cups, wiped with a damp cloth and baking soda.

Se vinegar is too strong, immerse two slices of apple in the bottle, let them macerate for three days and then filter.

To avoid the fish loses its compactness, before cooking it is a good idea to immerse it for a few minutes in water with a little lemon and vinegar.

You have the Cracked lips? Pass a thin layer of honey and massage lightly with a finger to let it penetrate.

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The recipe: Summer beans

Ingredients for 4 people: 350g of cannellini beans in a jar, 1 aubergine, 2 fresh tomatoes, 1 yellow pepper, garlic, ½ lemon, some basil leaves, 1 sprig of parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper.

Wash the aubergine and pepper, dry them and cut them into cubes. Heat the oil in a pan and brown the chopped garlic clove, then add the diced vegetables and leave to flavor over a high heat. After a few minutes, add the peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes and the drained cannellini beans. Salt, pepper and cook for 10 minutes. Place on a serving plate and sprinkle with grated lemon peel, crumbled basil leaves and 1 sprig of chopped parsley. Mix and serve.