Pastina

Growing up my mom used to make my brother and me Pastina for breakfast.  That is what she called it and it was delicious.  Since Italians like to show their love with food, Pastina has always been a comforting family staple.  It was a simple recipe that offered warmth and love all sitting in a bowl.  I think her mother made it for her when she was little, and today I continue the tradition and make it for my children.

Ingredients

• 4 Cups Milk
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 6 ounces Pastina (half the box)

Directions

This recipe is quick and easy to make, so it can make cooking a warm breakfast a snap.  First bring the milk to a boil on the stove top. Once it begins to boil add in the sugar and the pasta.  Now you just cook it for about 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically, until the pasta is done.   The texture should be fairly thick like a porridge or oatmeal.  If it is too thick, you can add some more milk.  It will also thicken up as it sits after it is done being cooked.

Pastina is great warm, but it also tastes real good cold the next day.  Pastina is the name of the pasta used in this recipe, and it means “little pasta.”  I have tried to use other small pasta variations to make this, but it doesn’t come out right unless I use actual Pastina pasta.  Those little stars just cook up so well to a sweet, family favorite in my home.

I have such happy memories of eating this as a child.  Now my daughter begs me to make it for her, and that just really warms my heart.  Just a few weeks ago she had a birthday, and asked me to make her this for her birthday.  Of course I did, and was even more thrilled when she asked how to make it so she can make it too.  I think someday her children will be eating Pastina for breakfast too!

What traditional recipes are you passing down?