Is it for Breakfast? Or is it for Lunch? Who cares! It’s delicious! Only serve this traditional Italian treat packed full of delicious, local, Ontario cheeses to those who are extra special, because they'll be sure to expect additional invitations after you serve them this special treat!

But in all seriousness, a Torta (plural: Torte) is an Italian pie, usually a savoury one, consisting of a filling enclosed in thin dough and baked in an oven or cooked over an open fire. Typically its packed full of deli meats and cheese such as Mortadella, Salami, Parmesan, and Ricotta. If you’re feeling adventurous, try our version of an Italian Deli Torta, you won’t be disappointed!

Step 1

Place flour and salt into food processor bowl. Pulse to combine. Sprinkle in butter and pulse until small pieces form. Add eggs an pulse together. Add milk until dough comes together (add another tbsp (15 mL) of milk, if needed.

Step 2

Remove from food processor and knead gently together. Cut one third of the dough and set aside. Roll out remaining dough on floured surface large enough to fit into and come up sides of 8 inch (20 cm) spring form pan. Press along sides, folding any gatherings into sides. (If dough tears a bit, simply press together.) Place pan on baking sheet.

Step 3

Filling:

In a large bowl, stir together ricotta, eggs and parsley. Stir in asiago, cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir in sopressata and mortadella. Scrape into pastry and smooth top. Sprinkle with prosciutto.

Step 4

Roll out remaining dough large enough to fit over top of filling to cover. Press dough down gently to flatten. Fold over overhanging pastry and pinch edges decoratively. Cut a steam hole in centre of pastry.

Step 5

Bake in 375 F (190 C) oven for about 1 hour or until pastry is golden and knife inserted in centre comes out clean. Let cool for about 30 minutes before cutting into wedges.