Easter, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, is an occasion to gather the family around tables ladened with delicious dishes and unique desserts.
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An Italian Celebration
Italy, home of unique and unparalleled delicacies, has made the preparation of desserts for Easter a true art, creating recipes that are now known and appreciated all over the world.
Along with the Easter egg, the symbol par excellence of this feast and a delicious moment of joy for both young and adults, there is also the Easter dove, which is a delight to everyone. Its preparation is an ancient rite that has been handed down from generation to generation. Another Italian cake that is now a symbol of Easter and of great success all over the world is the Neapolitan Pastiera.
Let’s take a brief look at these three Italian desserts, ideal for Easter Day.
Easter Eggs
Colourful Easter eggs always take the spotlight in this festive celebration. Particularly cherished by children, these treats are not just loved for their sweet flavour but also for the delightful surprises they hold within. Perfect for gifting to family and friends, it’s wise to opt for products distinguished by high-quality chocolate, whether it’s dark, milk, or featuring more gourmet flavours.
These eggs can be enhanced with additions like dried fruits or creamy fillings. Take, for example, Venchi Easter eggs. They offer a diverse selection that includes refined and distinctive flavours, ranging from classics to pistachio or stracciatella, all available here.
Easter Dove
If the idea of the classic Italian Easter Dove fascinates you, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s easily made at home. First of all, it is important to be aware that the secret to a successful recipe lies in the dough. The basic ingredients of this cake are flour, butter, sugar, eggs and sourdough. It is the latter that gives the Dove its soft texture and unique aroma.
After mixing the ingredients, the dough is given the shape of a dove, symbol of peace, and decorated with almonds and sugared icing on the surface. The slow cooking at a low temperature is essential to obtain a dove that is golden on the outside and soft on the inside. The dove is usually served by Italians at either lunch or breakfast, so it easily adapts to every need. Placing it in the centre of the table will certainly give a unique and precious touch to the whole meal.
Pastiera
The last but not least of these delicious desserts is the Neapolitan Pastiera, a masterpiece that commands the senses with its rich flavour and its Neapolitan tradition.
With a mix of unique and symbolic ingredients, it features wheat, a symbol of fertility and abundance, which is cooked slowly until it becomes a delicate cream. The ricotta cheese gives the pastiera a creamy texture and an unmistakable flavour. The preparation requires patience and dedication and the result is a cake that tells the story of a land rich in tradition and passion. Decorated with classic shortcrust pastry strips, the pastiera is the perfect dessert to end an Easter lunch.
So there you go, some ideas for an Italian Easter. You’ll find more on the Italian recipes page, like the following.
