Just before Easter, my granddaughter Celia called me from FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) where she attends college in NYC.
She was rather frustrated, having been to 3 stores… all of which were out of pastina. If you are asking “what’s the big deal” I know you didn’t grow up in an Italian household.
Those of us who did, know that Pastina made with creamy butter, fresh eggs and flavorful Parmigiano Reggiano is the ultimate comfort food. These little pasta stars, combined with the other ingredients turn into a bowl of rich creaminess that compares to no other. This is the dish, that when properly made, can cure anything from a tummy ache to a broken heart.
Celia is lucky to have a kitchen in her dorm room and often cooks for herself and her friends. It had been a tough week, and she really needed a pastina fix. No wonder she was upset!!
She later called me with the explanation. (Young people are so good at finding answers quickly). Ronzoni, who has been making pastina since before I was born, announced that they were discontinuing the little magic stars for some reason having to do with suppliers. If you want to read more about this, here is a link: https://www.thebulwark.com/the-economic-secret-hidden-in-a-tiny-discontinued-pasta/
This can’t be. There has to be a mistake. Why would they do that to us? Unbelievable!
Although she was ready to panic, I knew there were other options. First of all, other companies, like Barilla and Colavita also make pastina. She lives in NYC… someone has to carry it! There are also options to buy pastina online. https://www.barilla.com/en-us/products/pasta/classic-blue-box/pastina
Sometimes when I can’t get the little stars, I use ancini di pepe, or even ditalini, which are a bit larger. It’s not the same, but still good. I have tried orzo, but don’t like it for this recipe.
Now when I go to the store and see pastina, I buy three or four boxes just in case, and selfishly hope no one else does.
Although we grieve for the loss of Ronzoni Pastina, we still have options out there. If you are lucky enough to find a box or two, here is my family’s recipe for what we call “Butter, Eggs and Cheese”.
I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks to Fiorenzo Berardozzi (CBFB Tablescapes) for my beautiful blue pastina bowl!
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