Pies & Tarts
Standbys
Cassata alla Siciliana al Forno
A sumptuous Sicilian dessert, made with pan di spagna and a rich
ricotta-based filling. Worthy of important occasions! Also, Cassadetti, smaller
variations on the theme.
Difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced
La
Crostata
Shortbread topped with jam or fresh fruit -- the
former is classic Tuscan home cooking, while the latter can be extraordinarily
elegant.
Difficulty: Moderate to Intermediate
La Pastiera Napoletana
The
classic Neapolitan Easter dessert, with the delicate orangy bouquet of spring.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Rice Pie: Torta di Riso
A
simple, very tasty rice-based pie from Northern Italy.
Difficulty:
Easy
Ricotta Pie: Torta di Ricotta
Two Italian cheescakes, One more elaborate, from Naples, and the other Less,
from Siena.
Difficulty: Intermediate (the former) and easy (the
latter)
Torta della Nonna
A classic
Tuscan dessert, a custardy shortbread pie.
Difficulty: Moderate
Other Pies & Tarts
Almond Date Tart
A perfect
fusion, from Stu Borken.
Difficulty: Moderate
Almond Pie: Torta alle Mandorle
A simple, extremely tasty almond pie.
Difficulty: Easy
Apple or Pear Pie with Pecorino: Torta di Mele o
Pere al Pecorino
An unusual, cheesy apple (or pear) pie.
Difficulty: Moderate
Apple Pie: Tortino di Mele
There
is apple pie and then there is Apple Pie. This unusual variation clearly falls
into the latter category.
Difficulty: Moderate
Buccellato della Lunigiana
A
traditional cake from the mountains of Tuscany.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Chilled Nutella Semifreddo with Pistachio
Nuts
An extremely rich Nutella pie to celebrate Nutella's 40th
birthday.
Difficulty: Easy
Chocolate Turtle Tart
A
spectacular chocolate pie with a ground nut crust that makes it perfect for
Passover too. From Stu Borken.
Difficulty: Moderate
Chocolate Testaroli stuffed with ricotta and
berry fruit, and served with a honey-raspberry sauce: Girelle di Testarolo al
Cioccolato con Ricotta e Frutti di Bosco in Salsa di Lamponi e
Miele
Chocolate testaroli, which which become creamy
berryfruit involtini with a raspberry sauce.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Crostata con Fichi Freschi
An
elegant crostata with a rich fresh fig topping. Delightful and perfect for an
important occasion. Difficulty:
Intermediate
Crostata di Mela con Crema
A
baked apple crostata.
Difficulty: Moderate
Crunchy Ice Cream Pie, or Torta Croccante al
Gelato
A frankly libidinous combination of chocolate cookie
crumbs (the crust) and gelato (the filling). Perfect for hot weather!
Difficulty: Moderate
Cuccìa
For Santa Lucia
(December 13), a Calbrian grain pie laced with honey and orange.
Difficulty: Moderate
A Dried Fruit
Wreath
A rich Christmas dessert that rather resembles a
streudel, and is beautiful too.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fruit Pie: Torta Ripiena di Frutta
One usually doesn't associate pies with Italy, but this certainly fits the
bill and will work well on important occasions too.
Difficulty:
Moderate
Il Migliaccio alla Napoletana
Teresa De'Masi's wonderful recipe for the traditional Neapolitan Easter ricotta
cake.
Difficulty: Moderate
Raspberry Cheesecake: Cheesecake coi
Lamponi
Italians have discovered cheesecake! This variation
includes raspberries.
Difficulty: Easy
Torta di Tagliatelle
Pasta
makes a surprising alternative pie filling in this classic from Mantova.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Wine Grape Pie: Schiacciata Con
L'Uva
A sinfully tasty pastry made with wine grapes, and a
discussion of Tuscan Merlot.
Difficulty: Moderate
Yellow Squash Pie: Torta Di Zucca
Gialla
A simple, tasty squash pie, from Artusi.
Difficulty: Easy
Cakes
Puddings & Spoon
Desserts
Biscotti & Other Cookies
Frittelle, Cenci and other Fried Delights
Preserves, Frittate, and Other Tasty Treats
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