Unable to gather with family this Easter, I decided to make Italian Easter Pie (pizzachena). I dug out my grandmother’s recipe which called for “fresh cheese” or, as it is sold “basket cheese.” I could not find any NH cheese store that carried it and online stores were sold out. On a whim, I emailed Gilded Fern Farm. I received a reply from owner Deborah Allen telling me that I was in luck; she was cooling the milk to add cultures and would set aside a few gallons for basket cheese. Although she had never made it before, she would make it for me! It was ready to pick up on Saturday and she called it “Bella Nonna” (Beautiful Grandmother). The cheese was delicious, both in the Pie and served in antipasto. I will return to try some of the other Gilded Fern Farm cheeses. Thank you, Deborah!
