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Grain Tart

Ingredients :
FOR THE PASTRY
1/2	cup	superfine sugar - (heaping)
10	tbl	butter or cooking fat plus
		more for the pan
3	lrg	egg yolks
2 1/2	cup	flour - (heaping)
FOR THE FILLING
7	oz	whole wheat
		(or 1 lb canned cooked wheat [called gran pastiera])
2 1/4	cup	milk
		(if using fresh whole wheat)
		Minced zest of 1 lemon
1	tsp	ground cinnamon
2	tsp	vanilla-flavored sugar
		Minced zest of 1/2 orange
10	oz	ricotta cheese
4	lrg	eggs separated
1	sm	wine glass orange-flower water
5	oz	candied citron peel finely chopped
1	cup	superfine sugar
		Confectioners' sugar for dusting

How to cook :

If using fresh grain, two days ahead soak it for 24 hours in several changes of water.
The next day, simmer the grain in the milk with the zest of half a lemon for 3 to 4 hours over very low heat.
When it is cooked (or if using canned), stir in a pinch of cinnamon, the vanilla sugar, and the remaining lemon zest and the orange zest.
Set aside overnight for the flavors to mingle.
Make the pastry: In a large bowl, work together the sugar, butter, and the egg yolks until smooth, then add the flour and gradually incorporate to make a smooth pastry.
Set aside in a cool place for 1 hour or more.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Grease a 14-inch flan pan with butter.
Finish the filling: Beat the ricotta with the egg yolks and the orange-flower water.
Add the candied peel and the flavored grain to the mixture.
Beat the egg whites together with the sugar until stiff and fold them very gently into the mixture.
Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and and use to line the flan pan, covering the bottom and sides with an equal thickness.
Pour in the filling.
Roll out the remaining pastry and cut it into long strips and form a lattice top for the tart.
Bake for about 45 minutes until light golden.
Allow to cool and then dust with confectioners' sugar.
This recipe yields 10 servings or more.
Comments: This Pastiera Di Grano is very much an Easter cake, made with grains of wheat - symbol of wealth and prosperity - and in large quantities, as the cakes are given as presents to friends.

Tags : Desserts