/05
Nonna's Easter Pie
Source:
Italian Food Forever
This pie is quite filling, and would make a complete meal with the addition of a
nice bowl of soup or mixed salad. This type of pie is also great as picnic food,
and would be perfect served on Easter Monday, or Pasquetta, when families spend
time together, often going outdoors to picnic.
1/4 Pound Italian Salami
1/4 Pound Capicolla Sausage
1/4 Cup Cooked Ham
1/4 Pound Prosciutto
1/2 Pound Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 Pound Provolone Cheese
1/4 Pound Grated Parmesan Cheese
3 Pounds Ricotta Cheese
6 Large Eggs
2 Tablespoons Milk
Pepper
Prepared Pastry For Two Pies, Or 1 Recipe Basic Pastry For Variation
Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees F. Cut all of the meats and cheese into small dice.
Mix together the ricotta and 5 of the eggs. Separate the remaining egg, and add
the white to the ricotta mixture, reserving the yolk for later. Add the cheeses
and meats to the ricotta mixture, mixing well. Season lightly with pepper.
Because of the prosciutto and cheese, you will not need to add additional salt.
Divide the filling mixture equally between the two pie shells. Place the top
crust on both pies, and crimp the edge to seal. Mix together the remaining yolk
and milk, and brush across the tops of the pies. Using a sharp knife, cut three
slits into each pie before baking. Bake 60 minutes, or until a knife comes out
clean, covering the edges with foil if it is becoming too brown while baking.
Let cool to room temperature, and serve.

Variation: I decided to make my torta this year in a springform pan instead of
the usual pie pan as shown above in the photo. I simply rolled out pastry dough
to cover the bottom and sides of the pan, poured in my filling, and then cut
strips of dough and arranged them in a lattice pattern on top. I then brushed
the dough on top with the egg wash, and baked it until it was set.
Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 2002