Grano Cotto (Cooked Grain) for Pastiera - as its name suggests this is rather unappetising-looking gloopy cooked wheat grains. However it is the key ingredient in one of our favourite Italian desserts: Pastiera which is made with this wheat grain, ricotta, orange blossom water and candied fruits.

Pastiera is a Neopolitan cake or tart, but is popular throughout southern Italy, and its roots go back to Roman times. It is traditionally an Easter cake but is also a popular celebration cake at all times of year.