Ciao carissimi! Happy Labor Day!
September is here and, with it, the cooler and drier weather. That makes me want to bake even more! Lol
In my area, New England, this is the time of year for country fairs, apple picking, and leaf peeping.
But, before the colder season officially arrives, my friends and I decided to go to a couple more summer events.
One of them was the VanGogh exhibit. I had been fascinated by the ads about the “full immersion” VanGogh exhibits offered in the big cities nationwide. It finally arrived in Hartford and we went.
To be honest, I only knew the basics of VanGogh’s life and art. My favorite of his paintings were the most popular: Starry Night; Irisis; and Sunflowers.
The exhibit was informative and, the way the art was displayed, it made me want to know more. I learned how Vincent was even more distraught than I imagined. As a child, his mom never bonded with him because of the death of his older sibling (also named Vincent) a year prior to his own birth.
He had other siblings but was only close to his younger brother Theo, who loved and supported him all his life. Theo even named his own child Vincent in honor of his brother.
It was interesting to see how VanGogh’s art changed with his moods. And it was so sad to learn how lost and rejected he felt. He felt like a failure because his art was not appreciated. Too bad he died before he could see how priceless his work became through the years.
Vincent’s turmoil with mental illness showed more seriously when he cut off one of his ears in 1888. The ultimate act of his intense depression came two years later, in 1890, when he committed suicide. He was only 37.
Despite being called “the red headed madman”, Vincent painted 900 paintings in 10 years. Starry Night was painted when he was in an asylum, towards the end of his life.
In honor of the beautiful sunflower paintings by this talented man, my recipe is of a sunflower shaped appetizer.
I leave you now my friends with the hope that you will always appreciate life, even when it does not go your way. Vincent did not have the help that is available today. We have help and support in many different ways so let’s not ever give up!
Bacioni (Big kisses)!
Nonna Antoinette
GIRASOLE DELIZIOSO
SUNFLOWER DELIGHT
Ingredients:
For the Dough
• 1 pound all purpose flour
• 3 ounces extra virgin olive oil
• 6 ounces warm dry white wine
• 2 teaspoon salt
• little water-only if needed!
For the Filling:
• 12 ounces cooked spinach
• 12 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt & pepper
• a dash of nutmeg
• plain bread crumbs
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients for the dough and work it until smooth and it has an even consistency (with a mixer or by hand- note: If the dough is too dry, add a little water).
Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest while preparing the filling.
Cook the spinach and squeeze out the extra water.
Chop it with a sharp knife.
Mix it with the ricotta cheese.
Add the egg.
Add the grated cheese, salt and pepper plus nutmeg.
Make sure all ingredients are mixed well together.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Divide the dough in two.
Make two circles (12" each) using a rolling pin.
Place the 1st circle on parchment paper.
Spread some breadcrumbs on it.
Place part of the filling in the center of the circle.
Place the remaining filling in a ring around the center circle (close to the edges of dough-picture the planet Saturn when doing this! :) )
Cover it with the 2nd circle of dough.
Moisten and seal the borders using a fork.
Place a small bowl over the filled bump in the center.
Using a sharp knife cut the outside ring in 1" slices.
Turn each slice on its side (the filling becomes visible).
Remove bowl over center and poke gently with a fork..
Bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven at 375F.
Tips:: If you’re in a hurry, skip making your own dough and just use ready-to-bake pie crusts. Just make it thinner and bigger with a rolling pin. You may sprinkle sesame seeds over the center of the sunflower. Just brush it with a little milk or water before adding the seeds.
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