Blake & Gwen’s Holiday Timpano: A Recipe for Family Tradition
The holiday season is a time for cherished traditions, and for many families, food plays a central role in creating those lasting memories. Imagine a dish so spectacular, so undeniably festive, that it becomes the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations. Enter the Timpano, a show-stopping Italian baked pasta drum that’s rumored to be a Shelton-Stefani family favorite. While specifics about their exact recipe are closely guarded, we can craft a version inspired by the traditional Timpano, fit for a country music star and a pop icon (and, most importantly, your own family!).
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a project, a labor of love that will impress your guests and create a truly unforgettable holiday experience. Be prepared to dedicate a day to assembling this culinary masterpiece, but the results are well worth the effort. The Timpano is a dish that celebrates abundance, flavor, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
**What is a Timpano?**
Before diving into the recipe, let’s understand what a Timpano actually is. Originating from Southern Italy, particularly Sicily and Naples, a Timpano (also known as a ‘Timpano di Maccheroni’ or ‘Timpano Pasta Bake’) is essentially a baked pasta dome filled with layers of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, meatballs, eggs, salami, and other delectable ingredients. All of this is encased in a flaky pastry crust, creating a self-contained feast that’s as impressive to look at as it is to eat. Once baked, the Timpano is inverted onto a serving platter, revealing its glorious layered interior.
**Why a Timpano for the Holidays?**
The Timpano is the perfect holiday dish for several reasons:
* **Show-Stopping Presentation:** Its sheer size and impressive layering make it a visual centerpiece that will wow your guests.
* **Feeds a Crowd:** Perfect for large family gatherings, the Timpano can easily serve 12-16 people (or more!).
* **Customizable:** The filling ingredients can be adapted to your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Many components can be prepared in advance, reducing stress on the day of the event.
* **Delicious and Comforting:** The combination of pasta, meat sauce, cheese, and other savory ingredients is the epitome of comfort food.
* **A Talking Point:** The Timpano is a conversation starter, sparking curiosity and admiration among your guests. You can even tell the story of how it’s supposedly a favorite of Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
**Inspired by Blake & Gwen: A Holiday Timpano Recipe**
This recipe is an adaptation of traditional Timpano recipes, with some modern touches and considerations for readily available ingredients. Remember, feel free to adjust the filling ingredients to your liking.
**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 4-6 hours (including making the sauce and crust; can be spread over two days)
**Cook time:** 2-2.5 hours
**Ingredients:**
**For the Dough:**
* 6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
* 1 cup ice water, plus more if needed
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
**For the Meat Sauce:**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
* 2 teaspoons dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
**For the Pasta and Filling:**
* 2 pounds (about 10 cups cooked) rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
* 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
* 1 pound small meatballs, cooked (recipe follows)
* 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and sliced
* 1/2 pound salami, sliced or cubed
* 1/2 pound provolone cheese, sliced or cubed
* 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Meatballs (Optional):**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Equipment:**
* Large mixing bowls
* Food processor or pastry blender (for the dough)
* Large stockpot or Dutch oven (for the sauce)
* 9-inch springform pan (at least 4 inches deep)
* Rolling pin
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Preparing the Components (Can be done 1-2 days in advance)**
1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a food processor or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. One disc will be used for the base, and the other for the top.
2. **Make the Meat Sauce:** Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Stir in the chopped parsley at the end.
3. **Cook the Meatballs (if making):** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll the mixture into small meatballs. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer them to a plate. You can also bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.
4. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with 1/4 cup of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let cool slightly.
5. **Prepare the other fillings:** Cook the Italian sausage, slice or cube the salami and provolone cheese, shred the mozzarella cheese, grate the Parmesan cheese, slice the hard-boiled eggs and chop the fresh basil.
**Part 2: Assembling the Timpano**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large circle, about 14-16 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to the springform pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about 1 inch of overhang.
3. **Start Layering:** Now comes the fun part! Start layering the ingredients in the following order: 1/3 of the cooked pasta, 1/3 of the meat sauce, 1/3 of the meatballs, 1/3 of the sausage slices, 1/3 of the salami, 1/3 of the provolone cheese, 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese, 1/3 of the sliced hard-boiled eggs, and 1/3 of the chopped basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. **Repeat Layers:** Repeat the layers two more times, using up all the remaining ingredients. Make sure that each layer is evenly distributed.
5. **Top with Dough:** Roll out the second disc of dough into a circle slightly larger than the diameter of the pan. Place the dough over the filling, crimping the edges to seal it with the overhanging dough from the bottom crust. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
6. **Egg Wash:** Brush the top crust with the beaten egg.
**Part 3: Baking the Timpano**
1. **Bake:** Place the springform pan on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (to catch any drips). Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
2. **Rest:** Remove the Timpano from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before inverting. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice.
3. **Invert:** Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the Timpano. Remove the sides of the springform pan. Place a large serving platter over the Timpano and carefully invert it onto the platter. Remove the parchment paper from the bottom.
4. **Serve:** Slice the Timpano into wedges and serve hot. Be prepared for gasps of amazement as your guests see the glorious layers revealed!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Vegetarian Timpano:** Substitute the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable ragu and use vegetarian meatballs or omit them altogether. Add roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the filling.
* **Seafood Timpano:** Replace the meat sauce with a seafood marinara and add cooked shrimp, scallops, and mussels to the filling.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as ricotta, fontina, or asiago.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the Timpano up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 30 minutes to the baking time.
* **Gluten-Free Timpano:** Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free pie crust recipe.
* **Smaller Timpano:** For a smaller gathering, halve the recipe and use a smaller springform pan.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment!** This is a dish that lends itself to customization, so feel free to add your own favorite ingredients.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve the Timpano with a simple green salad and some crusty bread.
* A glass of Chianti or other Italian red wine pairs perfectly with this dish.
* For dessert, offer a classic Italian treat like cannoli or tiramisu.
**The Timpano is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition waiting to be born. Gather your loved ones, put on some music (maybe some Blake Shelton or Gwen Stefani!), and embark on this culinary adventure together. The result will be a dish that not only tastes amazing but also creates memories that will last a lifetime. Who knows, maybe it will even become a Shelton-Stefani-inspired tradition in your own family!**
**Enjoy your homemade Timpano! Buon Appetito!**