Holidays always bring back memories of my house on 16th Street and all the wonderful family and friends who entered. On Easter, in this house, we made the “Pie”. It was revered.
One of my favorie holiday foods is Pizzagaina. It is an Italian Easter pie. I use the name pie loosely. Actually, when I think of pie I think sweet and not savory.
The Easter Pie goes by many names, shapes and sizes. My mother and grandmother made their pie in a lasagna pan and some years switched to two smaller casserole dishes. My sister, aunt and I, when I was older and married, each made our version.
The making of this Pizza, again loosely, became somewhat of a yearly, light-hearted competition.
Our family Pizzagaina recipe consisted of italian salami, prosciutto, basket cheese, eggs, ricotta and ground black pepper. Dependent on the previous years pies, the ingredients were altered, added to and taken away from dependent on which pie was deemed the ultimate the year before.
There were years when the pie wasn’t made by one of the competitors (no, not because of being a sore loser), but because it became too expensive, too high in cholesterol or too time consuming.
Did I ever win, I’m not sure. My sister would remember because she had the competitive pie spirit. I wish you were still here competing, but I bet you are making your best in heaven. Don’t let mommy or noni know I said that. Missing you all so much.
So, this year my daughter, Ashley, and her girls joined the tradition. We had a great time making this pie and the memories that go along with it. I hope the girls will remember me fondly in years to come.
Can’t wait til tomorrow to eat it. Never on Good Friday.
Hope you’re enjoying your day.