Authentic Italian

Easter serves as a time to not only honor the sacrifices that Jesus made for us, but a time to slow down and reflect on our lives and everything happening around us, good or bad. It's a time of peace, meditation, and tranquility. In addition, there are many traditions that take place throughout America and especially in Italy. I love my Italian roots, so I make sure to always watch all of the events happening in Rome throughout the season. It brings me a sense of calmness and focus. I believe Rome is the heart and soul of what Italy does during this season. It's filled with honor and hope. If you're looking to get more into some of the religious rituals and traditions of this holiday, you can always go to the Vatican News YouTube channel and watch all of the Pope's ceremonies. Even if you're not overly religious, it is certainly something beautiful to watch. Some highlights at the Vatican include the pope's Holy Thursday mass, which honors the washing of the fee...

This delicious cake is a common theme in Italian households during the Easter season. In addition to Lemon and Orange flavoring, we also see a lot of recipes with fresh ricotta. This dessert is no different and takes on the complex flavors of a sweet, yellow cake with a richness and moist texture from the ricotta. Recipe Ingredients 1 3/4 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 10 tbs. unsalted butter, softened 1 1/3 cups sugar 2 large eggs 1 tbs. pure vanilla extract 1 15 oz. container of ricotta cheese 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 10-inch springform pan with spray and set aside. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, use hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the butter and sugar until it is a light and fluffy consistency. 4. Add the eggs, one at a time mixing thoroughly after each one. Then add the vanilla and ricotta and beat until combine...

Italian Pizzagaina is a staple Italian treat traditionally eaten during the Easter season. It is similar to a meat pie and includes ricotta, basket cheese and cured meats. It originated in the 17th century in Naples, Italy and is unlike any other kind of "pizza" you will eat. This can be eaten at any time of day as an appetizer, part of a meal or even after a meal. It is also the perfect breakfast or mid-day snack. This recipe in particular is an altered version that my grandmother makes every Easter. It is easy to do and absolutely delicious. Recipe Ingredients 1 stick dry sausage or salami 2 Ib. ham 3 Ib. Ricotta 1 basket cheese 1 cup grated cheese 1 1/2 dozen eggs 3 tbs. parsley 4 1/2 cups Bisquick 1/2 cup oil Instructions 1. First, cut up all of your meats into cubes and chop up parsley. You can use whatever cured meats you like. We like to use ham and salami in my family. You can also cube some provolone cheese if you like.  2. Mix eggs, grated cheese, oil and chopped pa...