Italian Grandma Makes Easter Cheese Pie (Cheese Pizzagaina)

ITALIAN EASTER CHEESE PIE (Cheese Pizzagaina)
Dough:
2 lbs. All Purpose Flour (sifted)
10 extra large Eggs
1 Tbsp Salt
½ cup Sugar
Filling:
3 lbs. Fresh Basket Cheese
2 lbs. Whole Milk Ricotta
2 cups cooked Rice (Carolina)
1 tsp Salt
2 cups Sugar
6 extra large Eggs
1 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
Glaze:
2 Egg Yokes
1 tsp Sugar
COOKBOOK: "Cooking with Grandma Gina" is available on Amazon in Paperback and eBook.
Recipes in cookbook are based on videos released prior to March 2021.
Click on the following Amazon link for the cookbook:
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Adelphia, NJ 07710
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FAQ:
Who is this lady?
Gina Petitti was born in 1935 in Faeto, Italy. Her family ran a farm in Italy and she met her husband, Vito, in the same town. In 1970 Gina, Vito, and her 4 children immigrated to America. Gina’s husband passed away in 2012, but she is surrounded by a large family, which includes 9 grandchildren, and lives 5 minutes away from her eldest daughter in New Jersey. Gina spends her time cooking, gardening, and being an active member of her local Church.
Where does Gina get her recipes?
Most of these recipes are from what she learned growing up in Italy, but some of them have evolved over time. She has also learned new recipes from friends and family in America. She is always eager to try new things.
Why is no one helping her in the video?
Grandma Gina doesn’t want help! Usually, it’s because we will slow her down or not do it “her way.” For the videos we only show her, but when the camera cuts we jump in and help form the cookies or prep for the next step.
Why don’t we buy her a new...?
Grandma Gina has a closet and garage full of new gadgets, spoons, forks, pots, etc… but she doesn’t like them because she is used to doing it with her old tools. She has fun getting her hands dirty!
Who is behind the camera?
Her retired son-in-law films, her daughter helps her prep, and she usually has one or two grandkids in the kitchen.
Does Gina read the comments?
We print out and show her how much love she gets from all her viewers, and she is very thankful and hopes you enjoy her cooking! Your comments bring her lots of joy, laughter, and inspiration to make more videos to share with you.
Thank you for watching, we hope you subscribe, and we will see you in our next video!

[@cherylcoyote]

This makes me cry because I remember my own grandmother standing over a board piled with a volcano of flour, mixing in eggs for the pasta. No pasta machines for her! She would roll it out, cut it up, and take it in to the bedroom where she'd laid a clean white sheet on the bed. Then came the fun part - we would toss handfuls of pasta in the air for a minute or two so it would begin to dry evenly. Two minutes of laughing with my grandmother - I'd pay a million dollars to have those minutes back.

[@deeallen3880]

Such a wonderful memory! God Bless you🙏🙏🙏

[@annastiskin7919]

When I miss my grandma Marie, I watch Gina and she warms my heart ❤️ cause she cooks and has her accent. GOD BLESS YOU 🙌 🙏 ❤️ 💖 U ARE NONNA TO EVERYONE ❤😊

[@hermitlifeinthemountainsub9493]

I have been a widow since I was 28 years old. My beloved husband was from Sao Jorge, Azores, and such a beautiful man. He immigrated with his familia when he was 2 years old. They rented land and had dairy farms. With him came so much culture, including home made wine, home made linguica, home made liquor, sweet bread, and so much more. I miss him so, so much, and you give me a glimpse of the culture of his neighbors in Italy. Beautiful people you are! Thank you for sharing your life and your recipes with us! You give me so much comfort! God bless you Nonna Gina!

[@margaretcallaghan3844]

In a world of so much sadness, you bring happiness and joy. Thank you. Everything you make is the real deal!

[@susanmccormick4627]

I am so unbelievably happy that I found this wonderful woman’s channel. I just read she was born in 1935. She is so young and beautiful still! God bless you for letting us see your cooking! I love this channel! 💞

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

Grandma Gina, your hands are so experienced and efficient. I can understand why you would not want to use machines all that often. It keeps us closer to our food when we use hands instead of machines. Love you and your videos!

[@liamshay890]

Gina when my wife cooks for me it always taste better than when I cook. And when I cook for my wife she says it taste better. We say you can taste the LOVE !! Gina I can see you putting in your LOVE ! May God bless you and your family.

[@MariVictorius]

I love when you sing. Brought tears to my eyes. ❤️

[@paulagratefulnoend9683]

Some other Italians trying to do the same kind of videos. They never compare to beautiful Gina! So much Love and talent here❣️🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@janelinley3624]

Mama Gina is a rare, one of a kind lady.. I just adore her❤️

[@najebie14]

I love this! I care for a 100 year old Italian woman. She often talks about special Italian foods at Easter that her mother made. I try and find the recipes to recreate them for her. I am so glad I found this to try and make it for her💗

[@limpingoatfarm7056]

your family is so lucky to have you, you are #1 Nonni

[@williamcassone9290]

GINA THANK YOU FOR JUST BEING SUCH A REAL PERSON IN THE DAYS WE LIVE IN TO SEE AND HERE YOU BRINGS JOY IN OUR HOME GOD BLESS YOU MUCH LOVE TO YOU. FROM BATH BEACH BROOKLYN.

[@lindagusch2671]

I am.also from Brooklyn.i am from Avenue S and Coney Island Avenue.

[@lashields123]

I love watching you cook, Nonna Gina. You make me happy, all smiles, when I watch you. If I feel a little down, I say - let me go watch some Nonna Gina. She will sing to me, and tuck her dough in like a little baby, and make me wonderful food, and I will feel better. And I do! You are magic.

[@kathleenmacellis751]

Lori Shields ... you said so eloquently what so many of us feel about Nonna Gina ! So well said , Lori !

[@lindabell8083]

Whenever I am feeling particularly sad or overwhelmed (I have terminal cancer), I watch one of your programs and immediately feel uplifted. You always make me smile. Your family is so blessed to have you. I love your stories about farm life back in Italy. Take good care of yourself dear .

[@BuonAPetitti]

Thank you for your kind words. May God Bless you and watch over you. I will keep you in my prayers.

[@carolinealfi5879]

God bless you always Grandma Gina. You are an inspiration and a blessing. I used to do these recipes with my wonderful loving Mom, God rest her beautiful loving soul. A real blesing and I really miss her.

[@brandonbrown6918]

Love how there's no sound affects or music to distract from her art.

[@theresalopez8675]

Grazi Nana! New subscriber here. Thanks for sharing all your talent and love. The world needs genuine people just like you desperately. God bless you all

[@joejacoby2464]

Mille grazie, Nonna Gina, and Buona Pasqua to your and your family. It is so very kind of you to share your recipes. Many of us remember food traditions that have been in our families for generations but have become lost. Bless you for your generosity.

[@jerryconn6496]

God bless this woman for keeping this tradition. What a beautiful recipe.

[@heathermcauley6477]

Just like my grandma use to make....love you Gina. Thank you for being you. And to your family thank you for filming this. I love all your stories 💋 chow

[@karenginnotti1100]

💜LOVE THIS LADY😘 👍🏼Everything she makes takes me back to my family😋 I try to keep tradition to pass on to my kids👍🏼💜GOD BLESS YOU GINA🙏🏼

[@cowgirlup5402]

I love them both!😍🥰

[@diannebrooks657]

Thank you Gina. You make cooking look so easy. You are so warm and patient.

[@SLCpresents]

May God bless you Gina, and whoever is filling you who had this brilliant idea to teach the world such treasurable old fashion recipes. My grandma was an waster chef from Romania and I never had a chance to film her to keep onto her recipes and you remind me so much of her. She would always cook for all the weddings and the 4 children she had plus the grandkids. Once again THANK YOU from the heart and may Hod bless you for teaching us.

[@lori8553]

Hello Mama Gina, I shared you with my eighty year old Mama and she wants to know where you get your energy. It’s a real treat to watch your old school and hands on skill. 👩🏻‍🌾 This is history folks. Gina is a Treasure.

[@jodi2462]

How lucky you all are to still have this beautiful woman still with you...nothing more soothing to the soul than to learn old family traditions from our elders...cherish it!

[@lieuwina]

Grandma Gina, I love your singing and your wonderful videos. If I had a granny I wish she was like you. I thank you for sharing your recipes and your history. May you and your family have a wonderful Easter. Look forward to your other videos. I thank your family for filming them and putting them on you Tube. God Bless you and your family.

[@marciaskidmore304]

Gina you are a treasure -- keep cooking and keep singing!

[@redcloud09]

I love how you sing over the the food preparation. I love your hard work done in a cheerful manner. Thank you for being such a good example. You inspire me. Also, I've never seen a dough made with just flour eggs and salt, or rolled out how you rolled it onto the rolling pin. I'm so happy I found you on KZbin. God bless you and your whole family. Bona Pasqua

[@angelar.williams951]

She is one of a Kind may the Lord Bless her with unending love and happiness and health for the Love she shows in fixing for her family.

[@Lindahuskey48]

God bless you! I’m worn out just watching you do all this, this is a lost art! You are one amazing woman, your late husband and your children are so lucky to have you in their lives.

[@cindymoreau1399]

Easter pineapple rigottA pie please

[@danrooney7914]

I lost my families Easter pie recipie. Our dough and form was different but the filling is the same. It has to be. I've been working from childhood memories and it sounds spot on. I love your Naunie shes adorable. It makes me miss my own. I love the videos please keep doing them! They bring smiles into my home and memories of wonderful times cherished forever.

[@danalee2438]

What a treasure, I am vegan but love watching her videos, I feel like I am watching my grandmother RIP. It's beautiful to have the children helping enjoy every moment with her.

[@tylernolforpain]

Grandma Gina, you are amazing! I wish I had an Italian grandmother, so much history and tradition shared with all your incredible food! Thank you for sharing your love through cooking.

[@kkbelvis]

Holy Amazing Smokes! The way you roll that dough out! It's magical! Just love this....thank you for sharing with us!Praise be to you!

[@JT-xd9uc]

2 lb of flour to make a Doug. I wonder how big the pie. Only 2 of us to eat it. Iam planning make pie since cold here in tx. I can use the oven while the weather is nice n cold, ha ha.ok thanks granny.

[@carolsparks7286]

How I love this lady. Thank you, Gina.

[@pattimuscarella6369]

Oh, sweet Grandma! God bless you, too! May the peace of Jesus be with you and your family in this Easter season! Love your videos!

[@lauraaldrich1191]

Hi Grandma Gina! I loved watching this video! My Italian grandmother always made cheese pies for Easter, and it is still a tradition in our family, although she has passed. We look forward to them every year and they are so delicious. We never could find another family that makes these and I was so excited when I found you and this video - can't wait to share this video with my family! It looks like the recipe is almost identical, except we don't include the rice. We will have to try your recipe to compare. Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@hildagorgis744]

I love when she sings ❤

[@russelltomlinson2353]

You young lady are an inspiration to anyone who is blessed to find your videos. Thank you so much for teaching us to do things the old way.

[@janelinley3624]

I wholeheartedly agree... I love baking & cooking... always so much better...I just love watching her...♥️✌🏻🇺🇸

[@nabilaandrawis]

Amazing energy !

[@shuretogo1]

It is an honor and pleasure to watch an artist at work

[@glenm5034]

Love Grandma"s rolling pin technique. She sings an Easter Blessing too.

[@SOMD-THC]

I am a new subscriber. Have fallen in love watching Nona Gina. She has inspired me to get my brand new pasta machine out of the box. Have had it for over a year and not used it. Fresh pasta just make Italian food much better then store bought boxed pasta. Would love to see your rice ball recipe. Thanks for taking the time to make and share your recipes and your beautiful singing voice.

[@terripratt6650]

You are a goldmine of knowledge grandma

[@carold8345]

I never saw or even heard of this dish. Thank you for sharing. You are the best Nonna.

[@barkingmad50]

Oh my gosh! Have you ever noticed Gina's arms? Strong and tight! I always thought your arms got "loose", (to put it nicely), after your last child grew too big to be picked up all the time. It never occurred to me that just kneading, kneading, kneading will keep your arms great well into your 80s. Finally, a exercise plan I can see myself doing. * LOVE her shows.

[@darlenep5206]

I Could watch you all Day , and YOU still have a Beautiful Voice , I love to Hear you sing Nonna Gina !

[@sherrieanorman2816]

You sing so beautifully!!! My Grandma did too. Thank you so much for rekindling memories of her. Her cooking was AMAZING!!

[@kleineroteHex]

I have to stop watching these Videos, they make me want to cook everything, it looks sooooo good!!!!! My mom had a dough cutting wheely like this, oh the memories!

[@paulettecrockett4643]

Grandma always makes enough food to feed a whole country.

[@toph4706]

I just love her. She does it all manually.

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

Hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter Gina. Thank you for posting this wonderful recipe. The pies look beautiful! Always makes me happy to see you and of course an extra bonus when you sing💕 You have a lovely voice💟

[@BuonAPetitti]

Thank you for watching. God Bless. I spent Easter with my kids and grandkids, it was wonderful! Hope you had a wonderful Easter too.

[@ejohnsonw]

Robin Cassidy R.N. I know I love her thing and also I agree she has a beautiful voice

[@maryanneevans9563]

God bless you Grandma Gina! I love you! ❤️

[@katrinasmith6601]

I could watch you cook all day - I wish I could smell the food! Your family is very lucky! I cannot wait to try and make your recipes! Thank you XOX

[@derail6969]

Your are so wonderful and me and husband enjoy listening to you sing and this exceptional recipe and the hard work it was to make it. Thank you for sharing the recipe and joyous music. You make me miss my grand mother so much, your a gem 😊

[@dianepiatt5503]

Love the cooking mixed with the loving singing! He is Risen! Indeed! ❤️😊. Thank you so much for sharing your tradition! ❤️😊

[@mikequintanilla5962]

Happy Easter to you too Grandma. You touch my heart everytime I see you.

[@esqsusan]

I love Italian grandma. I'm Polish ...but she reminds me of my little grandma. She was always cooking. We did a video if her once making potato pancakes.

[@WaterBoyTim]

all these italian recipies immortalized by doing these videos

[@janice2532]

I love Grandma Gina...I wish you were my grandma too. Your family is so lucky to share in what you can do. God Bless You.

[@maralkeshishian6492]

She is amazing, I love her specially when she is singing!! God bless you and protect you!🙏❤🌹💐

[@roseruscitti7775]

I love watching Gina bake and cook. Im mesmerized when I watch her.

[@cherylruhr6001]

That rolling technique at about 16:44 is very cool. You make it look so easy!

[@Lulubluz]

I know you love your family very much. You put so much time and energy into every dish you make. Rolling out that dough just right. Kneading it over and over. I wish that I had it in me to work that hard over a meal. ♥️

[@rhainaweissehexe3899]

Thank you once again Mama Gina for working so hard to show us how to make these Amazing Delicious foods. I make Cheesecakes in a Soringform with Creme Cheese. Once I made one with Ricotta and Dark Honey and Golden Raisins. Your cakes look amazing!!!!!! Thank you for all the love and hard work you put into your show.. I suspect you now have thousands of new Daughters and Granddaughters ♡♡♡♡♡

[@lizsharp382]

God bless you !!!!!! I jst found your site like an hr ago, wow !!!! Like so many, you've brought my grandma's memories back (she was from Hungary, amazing cook....ppl like you bring a VERY SPECIAL 🎁 GIFT to the rest of us mere mortals......it comes so natural for you, but I know it's a special gift from GOD.....To be able to bring such loving memories back to so many that were made from LOVE..... Thank you so much !!!!!

[@barbaraleighty4583]

I wish I could fall asleep every night listening to her sing. Amazing woman!

[@BuddhaBlurbs]

She's so precious .. The exact opposite of my Grandma from Naples ..

[@sharonhildreth1868]

I love this lady. I have learned so much. Thank you so much. I am your fan.

[@paulapool5721]

Me too❣️

[@libby2012]

Me three 😉❤️✝️

[@donnabrown1679]

What a great lady she is. Love to watch her and love to hear her sing, God Bless Gina !

[@DCL26]

Gracie noni Gina! My grandma Lucia made all those special pies on the Easter holidays for family and friends too. She was from Naples. Thanks and love from your new friend and admirer. Dolores

[@110077bd]

And God Bless you too Gina! Thanx for sharing this one with us... I wanna bite of that pie! It looks so good (And thanx to your "pit crew" for helping with your videos. You guys have something magical happening there.) Bueno! BUENO!

[@ynotjones]

I adore you! Truly. You're a light in this world. Your family is very blessed to have you and vice versa.

[@cassieguadagno5382]

Gina, watching you cook is so relaxing! My family makes pizzagaina a little differently. Thank you for sharing your recipe! I liked hearing you sing in this video!

[@dennrb6640MK]

She is awesome, reminds me of my own relatives from years ago. My family used to make this pizza at Easter, and also added chopped ham and prosciutto. She works so hard at everything she does, it's amazing!

[@nataliet129]

You make everything look so easy. I love watching your cooking and listening to your beautiful songs Makes me wanna cry

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

GRANDMA GINA- You're cheese cake/pie looks amazing. And once again thank you for the songs🥰❣❣😘😘 YOU'RE AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL💚❤💚❤

[@angelagiusti1593]

Thank you Nonna Gina! Thank you for sharing your receipes, my mother and I adore watching you. We love your stories and your singing. You remind us of my Nonna, your hair and gentle kind nature is just like my grandmother Teresa. You are a fabulous cook and your reciepes we treasure. We cannot thank you enough, you make us so happy we love you and would like to give you a big hug😘. Have a wonderful Easter with your family. Buona Pasqua lots of love from Angela and Maria Giusti in Sydney Australia.

[@BuonAPetitti]

Thank you for watching. Buona Pasqua a titti!

[@thomasclark8242]

We love ❤️ you Gina. Regards from England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@dottiescalzo8458]

Just love you momma Gina. You are so sweet and your food look delicious. Your family is so blessed to have you.

[@karendefonzo1797]

I love your videos. It's like being in the kitchen with my family. I'm glad you are sharing your recipes with us. Your recipes are very much like my own family, just a few differences. Yourpizzagaina is our rricotta rice pie, ours was a savory with cheeses, meats and eggs, with a savory crust. Also made at Easter. Maybe it is something you make, but has a different name. Thank you again. cent'anni.

[@greyeyes21]

Beautiful Pizzagania .Thank you sharing your lovely Grandma with us.

[@thelittlefairylady9757]

Bunasera Nona Gina! Buna petto dearest Lady! May God continue to bless you, good health, happiness & time with famia xxx x

[@100kenman]

Thank you for sharing your recipes, your home and heritage with me. I have never been good at making crust or breads, but you have inspired me to try again. I really enjoy your show, God Bless.

[@ranajaosler3102]

I like when she sings ❤️love your recipes

[@maryannhall8227]

She’s the best! Original Italian recipes. Love her!

[@az.shelly]

Beautiful! Lots of work, you put your heart in your cooking! God Bless you

[@kitfeedel5729]

God bless you Gina! You are wonderful. I love watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories with us.

[@lovenlight878]

Missing you Gina! I keep waiting and waiting for your next video haha.. Hope all is well and I hope you had a wonderful Easter

[@BuonAPetitti]

Thank you for thinking of me. All is well. I have been busy working on my vegetable garden

[@nellamiller1307]

She is my go to source if I don’t have the family recipe from my Mom.. of course they didn’t measure anything! It was by eye and feel, so Gina has helped me replicate many of our family recipes.. I think we are from the same area in Italy… thank you sweet lady! Love you!

[@annaconda3083]

Felice Pasqua Gina and Family. God Bless you from England and please stay safe during these difficult days. ❤️

[@amietiger8464]

Oh THANK YOU for putting her life story in the comments! And its almost EXACTLY how i pictured it. This coming weekend I am actually going to try one of her recipes. Wish me luck! And btw...her singing is like a warm, soft grandma hug. Such a BEAUTIFUL woman.

[@Livealittle888]

Looks so delicious, Nonna Gina! I wish I could come over and have a bite! You’re so good at unrolling the dough onto the baking sheet! Like a professional! Grazie tanti for sharing your cooking with us all! We love you 😘!! Bacci tutti! Ciao ciao!!

[@luizadumitru4079]

God bless you grandma Gina. Happy Easter to you and your family!

[@Slassetter]

What a beautiful lady and a wonderful cook! I’m so glad that I found you and I’m going to make the Easter cake pie. It looks delicious. God bless you and your loved ones! ❤️🍕🥖🥐

[@elainegardiner9826]

Wish I could come to your house to eat. You make me hungry with your cooking. Lucky Grandchildren! I can see how much you enjoy cooking for your family. God bless you!

[@jeastwood2737]

Absolutely DELIGHTFUL!! and I love learning how to do these recipes with her... She makes it so easy to follow! I'm inspired! Making some of these recipes and enjoying cooking again :D MANGIA!

[@kimquinn7728]

When you started to sing I just wanted to give you a hug. Jehovah willing, may you live right on through the end of this time and forever.

[@aman4allseasons270]

I JUST LIKE TO SAY: LOVE YOU...LOVE YOU...LOVE YOU ..... You remind me of my mother anytime i watching your video , you are so similar to her.....GOD BLESS and LONG LIFE for BOTH OF YOU ..... GOD BLESS EVERYONE PARENTS AND FAMILY...........Amen

[@blessOTMA]

We love you Gina! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes and knowledge. Bless you and your family.

[@louiseking7070]

All your food is delicious. Your such an inspiration for all of us

[@jackihammersmith8331]

you sang the same song my noni sang when she made home made pasta! This is one dish I haven't had in ages, thanks for the recipe. God bless you momma Gina