There is always so much baking to do for Easter that it is never too early to start the planning!

This is the way it was written and given to me many years ago.

1 Container (3 Lb) Whole Milk Ricotta, 9 Eggs, 2 ½ Cups Sugar, Cinnamon (powder or oil)

Citron, Orange Peel, 1 oz Orange Flower Water, 1 Tb Vanilla, ½ Lb Cooked Wheat – drained

Beat sugar and eggs well – until the sugar is dissolved. Add, Ricotta, Citron, Cinnamon, Orange Peel, Orange Flower Water, Vanilla and Grain. Pour into pie shell – optional lattice across the top.

Crust – Pasta Frolla

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar (optional)

2 teaspoons baking powder

¼ Lb butter

2 ex-large eggs

Add dry ingredients into processor, add butter until resembles cornmeal.  Add eggs (Beat eggs and pour slowly adding 1 drop water into bowl.) until a ball forms.  Let rest 10 minutes. 

Arrange in pie dish. Pour in filling. 325º – 1 hour for Pyrex

                                                    350º – 1 hour for metal or other type pans

Aunt May was my husband Charlie’s older sister. She was the original pizza maker, after Grandma of course, and she was a great cook and intuitive baker. I did learn several things from her. 

May and her husband Tony were the first in the family to buy a house in what was then considered very far out in Syosset, Long Island. As a result, they hosted many holiday meals there and it wasn’t unusual to have a gathering of 25 or more on holidays. Everyone helped a little but early on most everything was deliciously prepared by May and Grandma, whom I was fortunate to call Momma. Holiday meals always included a pasta dish, meatballs and sausage, followed by a roast with a generous assortment of vegetables, followed by a fruit bowl and nuts and of course several dessert items.  All enjoyed with Grandpa’s special wine. Always fun and still talked about. We couldn’t all fit at one table, even though the table was big enough for 20, and for years there always was a kiddie table as the family grew which seated about 15. Here is a picture from I think the mid ‘60’s. Great family memories.