Pastiera

Pastiera is a Italian tart, usually made with cooked wheat berries, soft ricotta cheese and orange flower water. Like much of European tradition, pasteria is has pagan origins overlain with Christianity; once used used at ancient Roman weddings springtime festivals, it is now eaten on the eve of Easter as a symbol of Christ's resurrection.

Orange flower water is essential for making pastiera, lending the dish its traditional whiff of springtime. Similar to rosewater, it is an extract of orange blossom. This ingredient can be purchased from Italian and Middle Eastern grocers, as well as gourmet supply shops.