Pizza Rustica…Baking with Julia~

by Liz Berg on April 3, 2012



Nick Malgieri is one of my baking gurus. I’ve used his tips to perfect my apple pie and cheesecake, so I was delighted to see he was the creator of this week’s Baking with Julia recipe. Nick describes Pizza Rustica as a savory pie…this slightly sweet pastry of his is stuffed with a filling of ricotta, eggs, mozzarella, Romano and prosciutto. Topped with a lattice crust, it is a real work of art!


I made the recipe as directed except for decreasing the sugar in the crust to 1/4 cup. I wish all my pie crusts rolled out this easily…the addition of eggs made it pliable and resilient. It wasn’t cool enough for our dinner last night, so we’ll be diving in tonight…but I did sample the crumbs after cutting a slice to photograph…and I predict we’ll be pleased.


Here is a link on how to weave a lattice crust.  I used a fluted pastry cutter and angled one set of pastry strips instead of having both rows perpendicular. Otherwise, I used this method exactly.


Today’s Baking with Julia is hosted by Emily of Capital Region Dining Blog and Raelynn of The Place They Call Home. Please check either of their blogs for the complete recipe.




FYI: I am slowly working my way to only posting 3 time a week…on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. There will be the odd guest post or blog hop on other days of the week; but, hopefully, this will enable me to visit more of my blogger friends and keep up with the laundry!!!

{ 93 comments… read them below or add one }

mlw April 3, 2012 at 4:39 am

that looks so good! anything cheese filled is a win.

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wendy (pinkstripes) April 3, 2012 at 5:21 am

Your pizza rustica is gorgeous! Good for you for taking it slow before burning out from blogging!

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the Junkie book April 3, 2012 at 5:36 am

Goodness Lizzy, you’re seriously a blog ambassador! It looks like it’s already in my mouth…can it get any better :p

Ty so much for the info. It’ll sure help. My girl has been asking for a strawberry ice cream. Do you have any fool proof recipe..like a link or something that’s tested and tried?

Choc ice cream is up my aisle too…very soon.

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Ah Tze April 3, 2012 at 5:37 am

beautiful pizza rustica!

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Mary April 3, 2012 at 5:39 am

My favorite!

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Carole April 3, 2012 at 6:07 am

Gorgeous, Liz!

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Judit - Corina @WineDineDaily April 3, 2012 at 6:22 am

Looks delicious! We love deep dish Pizza!

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yummychunklet April 3, 2012 at 7:30 am

Simply gorgeous photos!

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Ola April 3, 2012 at 8:10 am

it looks realy yummy!

Life and travelling
Cooking

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Sissi April 3, 2012 at 8:27 am

I would never guess it was called rustic pizza! It sounds and looks fantastic.
Whatever the frequency I will always be amazed at your baking (and not only) skills! I have always wondered how you managed to post photos and texts so often.

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Pegasuslegend April 3, 2012 at 9:42 am

What a savory pie perfect starter for Easter!

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Sandra Batista April 3, 2012 at 9:56 am

Lizzy
Ficou fantástica esta pizza, adorei o aspeto e efeito com que ficou por cima, maravilhosa!
Beijinho

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Part Time House Wife April 3, 2012 at 10:09 am

Yum! I feel your pain, I weaned down from everyday to mon,wed,fri. I feel like I can breathe again!

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The Café Sucré Farine April 3, 2012 at 10:25 am

Lizzy, you did a beautiful job with this! I just saw it on another blog and I’m having a terrible mouth watering problem! I love your lattice topping, so pretty!

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Anita at Hungry Couple April 3, 2012 at 10:33 am

I started craving this even before I read what it was! I’ve seen this dish in stores around here but it looks more like an encased lasagna than your gorgeous work of art. Almost too pretty to eat…I said “almost” :)

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Nicola April 3, 2012 at 10:38 am

Yum! I’ve never seen a pizza like this before – you pastry lattice top is beautiful!

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Jen @ Juanita's Cocina April 3, 2012 at 10:45 am

Wow. I just have no words.

I would have had to have it for a midnight snack.

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Belinda @zomppa April 3, 2012 at 10:46 am

What a stunning pie! I don’t think I could stop at one slice….

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The Mom Chef April 3, 2012 at 11:36 am

How were you able to cut a piece, taste crumbs and not stuff the whole thing in your mouth? It looks delicious. I like the new table too. :)

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Spicie Foodie April 3, 2012 at 11:44 am

Hi Liz,

Wow, this looks incredible! It’s like pizza meets pie- awesome :)

Good luck with your new schedule, I hope you find your balance :)

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Lory B. April 3, 2012 at 11:47 am

Ho dovuto rallentare anch’io, perchè non riuscivo più a tenere il passo con gli impegni quotidiani!!!
Una bellissima torta salata e quell’intreccio perfetto in superficie, mi piace tantissimo!!!
Felice giornata e un grande bacio!!!

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Asian-spice mix April 3, 2012 at 11:57 am

You always amaze me with everything you made,Pizza looks beautiful yummy and thick :)
Ridwan

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Tina April 3, 2012 at 11:57 am

This does look tasty, the filling alone has my mouth watering! Also, you did an amazing job on the lattice work. I noticed that with the recent fruit pie you posted also.
I only post 3 times a week and I like my schedule. I really am amazed that you have posted daily for this long. I am sure you will like your new schedule.

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Pacheco Patty April 3, 2012 at 12:12 pm

This looks familiar, lol! Beautiful job on your quiche, my auto correct won’t let me spell the Pizza R word, go figure;-)

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Jen @ Peanut Butter and Peppers April 3, 2012 at 12:13 pm

Oh my Yum!! This looks perfect!!!!

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Peggy April 3, 2012 at 12:23 pm

This definitely looks like a winning dish to me!

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Sandra April 3, 2012 at 12:24 pm

This is beautiful Liz, well done my friend. I average one post a week and I still can’t keep up with everybody. In the words of our favorite Chef, “sigh”!

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Treats April 3, 2012 at 12:32 pm

beautiful lattice top on your pie.

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Cher Rockwell April 3, 2012 at 12:41 pm

Absolultely beautiful, Liz.
Best wishes on the “slow down” :-)

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Suzi April 3, 2012 at 12:45 pm

What a beauty this pie is and your lattice work is superb. I would certainly have eaten that slice, could not have left it just sitting there, LOL.

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Grubarazzi April 3, 2012 at 12:48 pm

This is such a beautiful creation I would be sad to see it go! Well, not too sad ;)

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My Inner Chick April 3, 2012 at 12:50 pm

Incredible.

Skinny Chick, you. def. can. bake.

I want some. :) x

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My Inner Chick April 3, 2012 at 12:50 pm

Skinny Chick,
you. can. def. bake.

this looks incredible.

Xx WOW.

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Kiri W. April 3, 2012 at 1:05 pm

Wow, what a stunning dish! Love the lattice on top, and this looks like one slice would keep you full for days!

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Angie's Recipes April 3, 2012 at 1:19 pm

The pizza looks very unique and tempting. Love the beautiful lattice top!

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Rosella April 3, 2012 at 1:31 pm

There is that beautiful lattice top again! I would love a tutorial on how you do that – hint. That recipe looks terrific!

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Marina@Picnic at Marina April 3, 2012 at 1:38 pm

I will miss you on the other days, but I understand that laundry comes first! :) I love the pie/pizza, especially your lattice. Perfect!

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Deeps @ Naughty Curry April 3, 2012 at 1:52 pm

oh wow, looks picture perfect! the filling sounds awesome with eggs & cheese

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Navaneetham Krishnan April 3, 2012 at 2:01 pm

Great chance this time for a savoury pie and anything with cheese I will certainly drool.

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Sandra M. April 3, 2012 at 2:04 pm

This looks fantastic Liz..what a great looking pizza pie..very delicious!
Have a great week my friend..

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Kristina April 3, 2012 at 2:23 pm

Your lattice weave is gorgeous! I’ve never had Pizza Rustica but it sounds amazing! The filling ingredient list sounds too good, prosciutto, ricotta, eggs, and mozzarella?? My family would love this!

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Karen @ SoupAddict April 3, 2012 at 3:09 pm

Very beautiful, as always, Liz!

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Betsy April 3, 2012 at 3:13 pm

I love your woven lattice. I went for the simpler crisscross because it was my first lattice ever. Your pie looks so fancy, and delicious.

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Rosella April 3, 2012 at 3:14 pm

Thanks for the lattice lesson link! I am definately going to try this.

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Julia April 3, 2012 at 3:46 pm

Your lattice top is perfect! Your pizza looks great.

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mjskit April 3, 2012 at 3:47 pm

Sometimes I see a dish that is almost too pretty to eat and this is definitely one of them! Gorgeous! I’m not sure if I’ve ever had a pizza rustica of any kind which makes me sad now that I know what I’ve been missing. :( I want some!

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Rosie'sCountryBaking April 3, 2012 at 4:10 pm

This looks beautiful and delicious, wish I could taste it :) , I love Nick too, great recipes and guidance!

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RavieNomNoms April 3, 2012 at 4:10 pm

Wow Liz! This is just so pretty! You did such a nice job with this and I am sure it is very very yummy!

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Linda April 3, 2012 at 4:11 pm

I love Nick’s recipes as well and this pie looks delicious! definitely bookmarking to try soon :)

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Kristen April 3, 2012 at 4:18 pm

Liz, that is such a pretty pie. I love how neat and tidy it sliced. Such a delicious sounding filling, too. Happy dinner!

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Asmita April 3, 2012 at 4:34 pm

This looks out of a magazine. Just perfect. You have done an awesome job with this. I love it!

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Kristina April 3, 2012 at 4:35 pm

I need to try my hand at a lattice crust, never have!

the filling of this pie sounds fantastic! thanks for sharing.

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Jessica of My Baking Heart April 3, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Gorgeous, Liz!

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Lacy @ NYCityEats April 3, 2012 at 5:17 pm

All of the pies you make look amazing! I love the lattice crust, really fantastic. We actually used Nick Malgieri recipes for our whole pastry section in culinary school & he also taught a couple classes there as well. He was really nice! This sounds absolutely delicious & I wish this recipe had been included in our classes!

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v@le April 3, 2012 at 5:19 pm

Your italian pizza is really good! bravissima Lizzy! :)

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kankana April 3, 2012 at 6:42 pm

I thought it’s a pie but you called it a pizza! Well whatever the name is .. it does look delicious :)

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Kathy April 3, 2012 at 6:52 pm

Great job Lizzy! Your pizza rustica is perfection! Happy Tuesday!

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Anonymous April 3, 2012 at 6:58 pm

LOL I was trying to post daily but it got to be too hectic, so I’m just at whenever I want now, aside from TWD and FFWD :) Yours looks great and this did roll out really easily! :)

Alice @ http://acookingmizer.wordpress.com

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Jora April 3, 2012 at 6:59 pm

I love your photos! Are those chives on top of the pie? Thanks so much for the link on how to make a lattice top – very helpful.

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Susan April 3, 2012 at 7:53 pm

Perfect, Lizzy! I don’t know where I’ve been, but I’ve never heard of Nick Malgieri before, but will check him out based on your recommendation.

Happy Easter!

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Three-Cookies April 3, 2012 at 8:31 pm

Excellent work with the lattice.
I guess laundry is important but baking is more fun!

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gobakeyourself April 3, 2012 at 9:55 pm

So cheesy and delicious – I could definitely eat the entire pizza rustica by myself (though it looks too pretty to cut :D )

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

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Curry and Comfort April 3, 2012 at 10:22 pm

Lizzy, this dish is really beautiful! I love that it’s a savory pie. Yum! You’re a real expert when it comes to lattice work. Great job!

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maha April 3, 2012 at 10:28 pm

looks just delicious n awesum..n nice cliks.
maha

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fromcupcakestocaviar@gmail.com April 4, 2012 at 12:17 am

Gorgeous as usual, Lizzy! The lattice crust is beautifully done and the whole thing looks wonderful

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Emily April 4, 2012 at 12:29 am

I just saw this in one of my food magazines. It is a great idea. Yours looks divine. It is definitely going on the list of things to do.

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Geri Saucier April 4, 2012 at 12:38 am

Lizzy, you did a fantastic job:) The filling sounds delicious with great cheeses and prosciutto MMM. Have a nice evening.

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anthony stemke April 4, 2012 at 1:20 am

A beautiful loooking pie for sure. It looks very rich which I suppose it is.

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Monet April 4, 2012 at 2:09 am

Oh yes, it does look just heavenly! I love the thickness of the pie. What a different take on pizza. Thank you for sharing. I hope you are having a wonderful Spring week!

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Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul April 4, 2012 at 2:19 am

Nice presentation…thanks for the lattice link…

~ Carmen
http://bakingismyzen.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/twd-baking-with-julia-pizza-rustica/

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Vicki Bensinger April 4, 2012 at 2:38 am

First of all you’ll be happy to know I got your post in my inbox this morning. So “yay” it’s working.

This is a beautiful pie that I’m going to have to read in Dorie’s book. Your lattice work is stunning especially using that little tool. Great work. How yummy was this?

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Words Of Deliciousness April 4, 2012 at 3:15 am

This looks scrumptious!

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The Harried Cook April 4, 2012 at 3:18 am

That looks absolutely perfect and delicious! Going to check out the recipe…

PS – your lattice topping is so perfect!

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Treat and Trick April 4, 2012 at 3:19 am

This is just amazing! I’m reluctant to eat such a beautiful creation of yours!

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[AguiLeon] April 4, 2012 at 3:38 am

look delicious ever

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Cakelaw April 4, 2012 at 4:34 am

Your pizza rustica looks so adorable with the rustic background.

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Nami | Just One Cookbook April 4, 2012 at 6:15 am

I’ve never had pizza pie in my life! Missing something great don’t I? Good luck with the new schedule! Hopefully you find some time to take a rest too! You’ve been very dedicated blogger and supporter and I highly admire of you!

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Katia April 4, 2012 at 7:18 am

That looks so rich and good!
I love it : )

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ping April 4, 2012 at 9:30 am

I learnt that “Pizza” means “Pie” and this is a gorgeous rustic pie! I suddenly have a craving for pie … I wonder what’s for dinner?

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Cookin' Cowgirl April 4, 2012 at 4:52 pm

Beautiful! this is a winner, buzz buzz!

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Russell at Chasing Delicious April 4, 2012 at 8:38 pm

Yum! I am loving this dish. And lovely crust and presentation!

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Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. April 4, 2012 at 9:11 pm

This looks so beautiful! Your lattice crust is perfection!

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Magic of Spice April 4, 2012 at 11:14 pm

Looks beautiful Lizzy…love that crust!

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bakewithjill.com April 4, 2012 at 11:58 pm

It looks really lovely! I hope you enjoyed it. But as good as that looks, I’m drooling over the brownies with Rolos in your other post!

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alan April 5, 2012 at 2:01 am

thats a strange looking pizza ill try it

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Elaine April 5, 2012 at 5:36 am

Your lattice crust looks fabulous, Lizzy! Picture perfect!

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Jennifer April 6, 2012 at 1:10 am

Oh, Lizzy, I can relate…I post when I feel like it. LOL Sometimes I’m tardy getting to my blogger friends.

This pie looks delicious!! Different too…

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Katrina April 6, 2012 at 2:21 am

Ooh, your pie rustica looks perfectly delicious. I had issues with the crust and it wouldn’t roll out without sticking. I’m sure it just needed more flour and some chilling in the fridge, but the recipe didn’t say that.
No matter, I cut a bunch of circles for my top crust.

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iluvsweets April 6, 2012 at 5:10 pm

Lovely pix and a beautiful pie!

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Claudia April 6, 2012 at 9:52 pm

Did you do his recipe that called for two pounds of mozzarella, 1 pound of ricotta and 6 eggs? I did do that one year but this year am lightening it up! Love Malgieri – but I need a family of ten to eat his Pizza Rustica! (She says as she rolls out the dough for tomorrow’s dinner) Yours looks lighter than the recipe I have!

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sanyaliving.com April 7, 2012 at 12:03 pm

Oh my goodness that’s an amazing looking pie! I love your photos!

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alwaysaddmorebutter April 9, 2012 at 4:10 pm

OMG your pizza rustica looks beautiful! We ate ours warm because we couldn’t wait so I really admire your resolve. Hope you liked it as much as we did!

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Erin April 12, 2012 at 7:20 pm

Your lattice is beautiful! It looks so good! Hope you enjoyed it.

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