Spring is here, and with it comes Easter! What better way to celebrate this colorful holiday than with a delicious Italian Easter Grain Pie? This traditional dessert is a fun way to bring some sweetness to your celebrations. Here, we bring you not just one, but two recipes for this scrumptious treat that is sure to impress your guests!
Recipe 1: Classic Italian Easter Grain Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked wheat berries
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/4 cup chopped candied citron
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix together the cooked wheat berries, cooked rice, milk, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add in the eggs, raisins, candied orange peel, candied citron, almonds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 8g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- Oven
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat!
Variations:
You can substitute the candied orange peel and citron for other candied fruits, such as cherries or apricots. You can also add in some lemon zest for a zesty kick!
Substitutions:
If you don’t have wheat berries, you can use farro or barley instead. You can also substitute the almonds for pecans or walnuts.
Storage:
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Tips:
Make sure to let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This will help the filling set and make it easier to serve.
Notes:
This recipe is a classic Italian Easter dessert, and is often served at family gatherings and celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use other grains in this recipe besides wheat berries and rice?
A: Yes, you can use other grains such as farro or barley.
Q: Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Italian Easter Grain Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cooked wheat berries
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix together the cooked wheat berries, cooked rice, milk, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add in the eggs, chocolate chips, almonds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 62g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 42g
- Protein: 9g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- Oven
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert!
Variations:
You can add in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have wheat berries, you can use farro or barley instead. You can also substitute the almonds for pecans or walnuts.
Storage:
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Tips:
Make sure to let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This will help the filling set and make it easier to serve.
Notes:
This recipe is a fun twist on the classic Italian Easter Grain Pie, and is perfect for chocolate lovers!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use other grains in this recipe besides wheat berries and rice?
A: Yes, you can use other grains such as farro or barley.
Q: Can I add in other ingredients?
A: Yes, you can add in other ingredients such as chopped nuts or dried fruits.
Personal Thoughts
Both of these Italian Easter Grain Pie recipes are delicious and fun to make. The classic version is perfect for those who love a traditional dessert, while the chocolate version is great for those who want something a little more decadent. These pies are perfect for sharing with family and friends, and are sure to be a hit at any Easter celebration. So why not give them a try for yourself?