BUONA PASQUA

Easter dinner is special for many families, but can be difficult to decide what to serve.

Satisfy your family or guests with a tasty Agnello dish for Easter dinner! What is Agnello?

Agnello (lamb) can be enjoyed several ways! "Agnello cacio e uovo" is an unusual dish being cooked in an egg, pepper and cheese sauce.

Roasted is my favorite, with rosemary, red wine and garlic. A hearty stew made with green vegetables like peas or fresh asparagus is also a great dish.

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Chianti Classico is a perfect pairing with lamb. The acidity offsets the meat's slight fattiness perfectly - making for a smooth blending of the two.

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Growing up, lamb was not readily available, so dad would raise goats. He liked to barbecue them.

My son on the other hand, would get attached to the annimals. Not wanting them to be killed, he set them free whenever an opportunity presented.

" Arancini" (rice filled fried balls ) would be good for an appetizer. These are best when homemade by mama, nonna or zia.

Of course at the beginning of the meal, you might want to serve "Minestra di Pasqua". This is a soup made with beef, veal, pork, kale and herbs and is especially popular at Easter

"Carciofi e patate soffritti" a great traditional side dish consists of sautéed artichokes mixed with potatoes.

The "dolci" comes next. We might want to have "Ciambellone" which is a ring shaped cake having a distinct flavor that comes from the zest of lemons. Almost like a lemon flavored donut!

Other good choices would be Cassata Siciliana, a sponge cake with ricotta filling; the colomba , a dove-shaped cake with candied fruit and almonds; and pasticiotti , little pastry tarts filled with custard.

Strawberries are the primary "dolce" served in our family!

To compliment the "dolce" try " Vin Santo". I'll be explaining more about "Vin Santo" in another post.

After the meal, a very strong espresso is served in a tiny cup. Add lots of sugar and lace with grappa , you have a "Caffè corretto".

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Then to top everything off we can't forget the "digestivo", so that all that food is digested well and to ensure quality sleep! Two good ones are Lemoncello and Grappa

Hope you liked this little culinary rendition......

Buon Appetito!

Remember,

Keep on the Sunnyside!

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