Italian Ham and Sausage Pie

Crust:

3 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
3 eggs
1/2 cup shortening
1/8 cup milk

Filling:
2 cups ham, cooked & diced
1 lb. sweet sausage, cooked & sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 lbs. ricotta cheese
1 small Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/4 cup chopped parsley
4 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

Mix the flour and sugar together. Make a well in the center, add the 3 eggs, shortening and milk, mixing together until dough is easy to handle.

Divide in half; roll out one portion and fit into 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover other the remaining half of the dough until later.

In a small bowl, beat the 4 eggs.

In a large bowl, mix together; ham, sausage, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix in eggs. Spread filling in crust.

Roll out remaining dough and fit on top of mixture. Seal edges; cut slit in top.

Brush top with a mixture of 1 well-beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk; this will make the crust shiny.

Bake for 45-60 minutes in preheated 350º F oven until crust is golden brown and filling is firm.

Cool slightly before serving.