These ingredients may not sound like desserts, but when mixed with some sugar, they make a rich, sweet pie! Along with the pie for dessert, it is common in Italy to have some coffee after the meal no matter what time of day it is! Sipping on a cup of coffee while picking away at a piece of cake is a lovely way to keep family and friends sitting around the table and laughing together for a little bit longer!
The origins of pastiera connect to the practice of reuse, even in cooking! Pastiera was originally made with leftover food as a way to make something special for the holiday. Old pastiera used pasta, and then added eggs to make a different meal without wasting any food. Now, even though pastiera is made with fresh ingredients, it still has roots in this necessary reuse of food. And while it originated in Naples, it has spread throughout the Italian Peninsula -- first out of practicality, and then as a beloved dessert!
