2 March 2009

Festa Italiana




It's that time of year once again. When two blog sisters get together and organize one of the biggest virtual festivals of the year. Maryann of Finding la Dolce Vita and Marie of Proud Italian Cook are hosting a Festa Italiana.

What makes this event so great are the people that arrive virtually from all over the world!! They say, "We like to to imagine our festa, as how it would truly be if we all gathered together literally. Huge tables set under twisting grapevines, Italian food and drink from one end to the other, laughing, singing, and dancing, while the sound of mandolins playing in the background, of course with out a doubt Sinatra and Dino too!"

There will be laughter, friendship, singing and dancing into the wee hours. But most of all, there will be a bounty of Italian dishes and drinks to share. They welcome you, their friends, to come join them once again.

Quello che ci vuole!!!!

**Ricotta and Artichoke Pizza**

250 g (8 1/2 oz) pizza dough
200 g (7 oz) ricotta cheese
4 - 6 canned artichoke hearts, well drained, chopped
1 small onion
Bunch of fresh Italian parsley
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 T dried chives
2 T extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt
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Clean, wash and chop parsley and onion; put them in a saucepan together with oil, marjoram, chives and artichokes. Season to taste with salt, add 1 cup of water and cook over a gentle heat, half-covered, until artichokes are tender and cooking liquid had evaporated. Let the mixture cool.

Add the cooled artichoke mixture to the artichoke mixture; add Parmesan. Mix well and season to taste with salt again, but only if necessary.

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Oil a shallow, not too large, ovenproof dish. Line the bottom and the sides of the dish with pizza dough, allowing it to flow over the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork and spoon in the mixture of artichokes. Refold the excess of dough over the surface and bake for about 20 minutes or until pie is golden.

Serve warm.

With the leftover filling I used up some puff pastry I had I made....

**Triangoli al ripieno di ricotta"**

1 8oz. sheet frozen Puff pastry, thawed
Ricotta and artichoke filling

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On a lightly floured surface roll the puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch square and cut it into 9 squares. Put equal amount of the filling (about 1 Tbsp.) onto the center of each square. Fold the dough over to form a triangle. Press the edges of the dough together and then use the tines of a fork to seal the edges. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the Triangles. Bake them in a preheated oven for about 15 - 20 minutes at 400° or until golden brown. Best Blogger Tips

24 comments:

  1. Bravo for the Italians!!! They know how to prepare a real Festa :D.

    If my daughter would see your pizza, I'm pretty sure she would take the first plane to Canada!!! And seeing that it has artichoke in it I would fly beside her ;D.

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  2. Thanks so much for joining us, Valli! What a lovely dish to bring! I know everyone will love it :)

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  3. This would be so fun for a party. Look at that. Just gorge!

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  4. That combo is delicious! Your pizza is really tempting, yummy!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  5. this is beautiful, Val!!!! See you there!!!

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  6. fantastic open pie - i love its fresh green look

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  7. Oh my goodness Val I'm feasting on your delicious open pie !!

    My apologies for not calling by sooner due to having had the flu.

    Rosie x

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  8. I love what's coming out of your kitchen today. You've been busy!

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  9. This will surely kick up the party!

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  10. You know this will kick the party up a notch!

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  11. Val, This dish is a stunner!! I might be hoarding it all to myself. My 2 favorite things, ricotta and artichokes. Thank you so much for joining our Festa!
    xox, Marie

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  12. I love ricotta on pizza, and this is such a gorgeous version!

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  13. What a great even. I love what you make. Looks yummy Val.

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  14. Wowza, that is a gorgeous piece of work! It looks like that wonderful cheesy artichoke dip in an ornate bread tray, and I just want to rub my face in it.

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  15. Well as a part Italian I certainly want to join in the festivities. This meal looks fantastic...cheese and pastry you cannot go wrong.

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  16. I just discovered your site from the Italian fiesta. I'll be sampling a slice of your beautiful pie. Fun stuff.
    Sam

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  17. Vall this look absolutely awesome and nice, love ricotta too and I love Festa Italiana maybe I send some rec ipe!! xxGloria

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  18. This looks delicious Val! Great entry.

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  19. this looks soooooo good. Just like everything else you make. When can I move in and be your taste tester? Now?

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  20. I'm starting to think you are the queen of pizza. Lovely creation Val.

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  21. Oh this looks divine! Yum. Wonderful presentation too.

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  22. Oh yes, Sinatra and Dino for sure!

    This looks gorgeous. Artichokes and ricotta and crispy bread. Perfection.

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  23. One of my favorite pies and this one looks extra fab. Love the rectangular shape.

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Welcome to my home. Thank you for choosing to stay a while and for sharing our lives through food. I appreciate all your support, comments, suggestions, and daily encouragement.

Val

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