First Communion

My nephew is making his first communion this spring. Are there any foods that are traditionally served by Italian families for such an event?

Bread and wine I believe

Around here, I know the trend is to celebrate with more of a First Communion brunch. I've seen offerings of Eggs Benedict, assorted stratas and quiches, antipasto trays, our regional pepperoni rolls, scampi variations, bruschettas and dishes with polenta. Here's a wonderful polenta dish that is hugely popular around here.

Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Polenta Loaves

For Polenta layers:
2 1/2 Cups polenta meal(finely ground cornmeal may be substituted)
3 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
1/2 stick butter
1 jar Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil, drained and minced
1 cup grated hard italian cheeses(parmesean, romano, asiago, etc)

For Pesto Layers:

1 cup fresh basil
3 bunches parsley, minced
3/4 cup olive oil
8 cloves garlic1 cup roasted pignoli(pine nuts)
1 cup grated parmesean cheese
salt and pepper to taste


For Cheese Layer:

6 cups assorted Italian cheeses(mozzarella, smoked provolone, sharp provolone, fontinella, hard grating cheeses, etc)


In a large saucepan over medium heat, add polenta, chicken broth and butter. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Add sun dried tomatoes and cheeses and cook until cheese is melted and well incorporated. Turn down heat to very low and let sit while preparing the loaves.

Prepare pesto by adding all ingredients to either a food processor or blender and process until all is minced and blended. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease two bread loaf pans with butter. Spread a layer of polenta mixture in the bottom of loaf pan, about one inch thick. Then spread about a 1/4 inch layer of pesto. Spread another layer of polenta mixture, then a layer of the cheeses. Keep repeating layers until loaf pan is 2/3's full, reserving extra pesto and cheeses. You should end up with a layer of polenta on top. Bake for 35 minutes or until firm. Remove loaves from oven and add remaining pesto and cheeses over top of the loaves. Put back into oven and bake undtil cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Remove and serve in slices.


As far as pastries and baked goods, pizzelles, cream horns and tiramisu are usually prominent.

Thank You Redtressed. That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for!

Redtressed, what an incredible recipe for a First Communion!! I can tell you when I made my 1st communion I think my mom made fried chicken, which wasn't that special, since she always did on weekends. I'd like to be adopted by a family that would go to the time and trouble of making this dish for me.

Necco wafers.

For practice, don'tcha know.

To Theedge....

Too cute, Theedge!!