Yesterday, Easter, was cold and rainy but as we spent the day indoors cooking (me), eating (all), cleaning up (mostly GP), and sleeping for 3 hours recovering (me), the weather didn't matter much.  We had the grandparents and G here with us so our tiny apartment was very cozy.  Everyone left the table full so I'd say lunch was a success which is a good thing considering the run-up.  Friday I went shopping for groceries because I knew Saturday would be like preparing for Armageddon.  If one can avoid it, NEVER go to the supermarket the day before a holiday here.  As it is, Friday the aisles were packed and people had that wide-eyed desperate look.  It took me all morning to get in and out.  Saturday we spent the afternoon buying wine with friends.  It was our annual pilgrimage to one of our favorite producers for our spring and summer wines, (sparkling reds and rose'.  We get white elsewhere).  Of course while there, we had to try all of his products.  It's only polite.  On the way home we stopped in a town with a renowned bakery to buy grissini.  Grissini are the long bread sticks traditionally from this area.  There are 3 basic types and dozens of variations.  They are also a must at any proper lunch or dinner hereabouts, so we had to have them for Easter lunch.  Unfortunately the bakery had a line of 18 people and a waiting list for those who hadn't pre-ordered them.  This seemed a little extreme so we drove to the next town and found a bread shop that was a bit more accommodating.  For the pasta dishes, (two), GP went to our favorite tiny gastronomy shop here in Moncalieri where they make all there own pastas.  We had asparagus stuffed panzerotti (little ravioli) and roast stuffed ravioli al plin (little pinched bags).  Two days of shopping for one lunch.  It will take me a hell of a lot longer than that to burn off the calories consumed.  Happy Easter to all!  xxoo me

The Easter Bunny brings giant eggs here

The gang