Easter Lunch: A Seasonal Tuscan Easter Menu

Spring is a special time of celebration in the region of Tuscany, located in beautiful Italy. Easter represents the resurrection not only of Christ but of nature. Both are celebrated together during this holiday. Each Tuscan Easter menu dish served is symbolically tied to tradition as well as the history of the area. Here is a glimpse into the dishes served:

Tuscany boasts of the fine sheep's milk cheese, such as Pecorino, that is part of the antipasto dish served first at the Easter meal. Wild and free-range pigs provide the savory spiced ham and bacon that this area is famous for. Accompanied by local tomatoes, this is a delicious way to start a local Easter tradition. 

This savory first-course features chicken, rice, onions, and artichokes seasoned with white wine and lemon. It is usually topped with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Using tender baby artichokes cooked in the rice broth gives this dish great flavor.
 

Garlic and rosemary are used to season the slowly grilled tender lamb that highlights this part of the Easter meal. Roasted white potatoes accompany the lamb that may be seasoned with olive oil and parsley. 

No Easter is complete without serving the traditional savory cheesecake. Using basic ingredients of flour, lard, cheese, eggs, and pecorino seasoned with salt and pepper, this cake is often served for breakfast. 

Orange with anise seed flavor this egg-rich Easter cake dessert that is a Tuscan Easter tradition. Sometimes taking days to make with five yeast risings, it is worth the wait. Finish the meal by serving hot, freshly ground coffee.

Of course, we can’t talk about Easter lunch without talking about wine! This Easter, try a fresh Vermentino or a Chianti Classico Riserva.  

Bring Tuscany traditions to your table this Easter holiday serving a multi-course meal that your friends and family are sure to enjoy.