Although somewhat tedious in preparation and rich in ingredients I guarantee to convert you to this marvelous and light Easter tradition.

• 3/4 C. soft wheat kernels (grano)
• 2 Qts. whole milk
• 1 piece lemon peel
• Pinch cinnamon
• Pinch salt
• 2 T. sugar
• 2 drops vanilla extract
• 2 T. butter

In a large saucepan combine the milk, lemon peel, cinnamon, salt, sugar, vanilla, butter and the drained grano. Bring to a boil and then gently simmer for about 3 hours or until the grano kernel is completely opened. Remove and discard the lemon peel, transfer the grano to a platter to cool.

• 3 extra large egg yolks
• 3 T. sugar
• 2 tsp. potato starch or flour
• 1 small piece of lemon peel or orange peel
• 1 C. cold milk

• 6 T. butter (or 3 T. butter and 3 T. lard)
• 1 1/2 C. flour
• 1/4 C. sugar
• 3 extra large egg yolks

Butter or lard the inside of a 10 inch spring form pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

After the pastry dough has rested, roll it out between 2 pieces of parchment or waxed paper to form a round of dough about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully line the inside of the springform pan with the round of dough, allowing the extra dough to hang over the edge.

• 1 lb. whole milk ricotta
• 1/2 C. sugar
• 3/4 C. finely chopped mixed candied citron, orange peel and lemon
• Pinch cinnamon
• Grated rind 1/4 lemon
• 1 T. rose water or 2 T. orange flower water
• 2 tsp. orange extract
• 2 extra large eggs – separate the yolks from the whites
• Pinch salt
• Cooked grano
• Cooled pastry cream

Separately beat the egg whites until as stiff as snow. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the ricotta mixture. Pour or spoon the mixture into the pastry lined pan. Cut off the excess dough from the edge of the pan. Form the excess dough into a ball, roll it out and cut into 1/2 inch wide strips. Place the strips in a crisscross pattern over the filling to form a lattice.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 2 hours, until browned. If the top begins to brown too early, cover it with a tin foil circle. Remove from the oven onto a wire rack and let it stand in the pan until cool. Remove the springform ring and transfer the pastiera to a large platter. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar and serve, slicing it like a pie.

Serve when cool, or refrigerate and serve the next day. This tastes better if prepared one day ahead and will last 1 week under refrigeration.

This recipe was adapted from Giuliano Bugialli's Classic Techniques of Italian Cooking.