St. Joseph's Day Altar
March 19th is set aside to honor St. Joseph, spouse of our Holy Mother Mary and foster father of Jesus. The Italian/Sicillian community in and around South Louisiana has a special devotion to St. Joseph. In Sicily in the late 1800's, a drought led to failed crops and widespread famine. Prayers to St. Joseph were credited with bringing rain and a bountiful harvest. In thanksgiving, along with prayers of gratitude, elaborate altars of food were constructed. After a celebration, all food was donated to the less fortunate. Italian and Sicilian immigrants brought this tradition to the New Orleans area.
Many church parishes have committees that prepare very large altars, full of traditional symbols and particular foods.
According to family lore as well as DNA, I don't have a single drop of Italian blood. I still have a special devotion to St. Joseph, in thanksgiving for many blessings and favors. My list is long, with at least two requests outstanding, awaiting an answer (hint, hint, St. Joseph!).
About five years ago, I began a St. Joseph's altar. I do not know any of the traditional recipies like fig and anise cookies, so mine has a French/Creole twist. I don't think St. Joseph minds! The sisters at Pauline Books and Media have been graciously allowing me to set up in their bookstore here in Metairie. It includes:
*Sugar cookies ("'tit gateau sec"), decorated green, white, and red, the colors of the Italian flag. I posted the recipe in the blog of December, 2017.
*Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons, recipe posted November 2017.
*Zoodles (November 2018) with a simple fresh tomato sauce and a dusting of breadcrumb "sawdust," as an homage to "the carpenter."
*Apple roses, an easy puff pastry concoction.
*Fougasse (the French version of focaccia. There is a fabulous recipe online with a step by step video. Be aware, it takes 16-48 hours of a slow rise in the refrigerator. I start this two days in advance. This bread is a hit with supper club, always a special request.
I add a stack of prayer cards for visitors, and also a favorite bottle of wine for the sisters to enjoy with their dinner.
Many church parishes have committees that prepare very large altars, full of traditional symbols and particular foods.
According to family lore as well as DNA, I don't have a single drop of Italian blood. I still have a special devotion to St. Joseph, in thanksgiving for many blessings and favors. My list is long, with at least two requests outstanding, awaiting an answer (hint, hint, St. Joseph!).
About five years ago, I began a St. Joseph's altar. I do not know any of the traditional recipies like fig and anise cookies, so mine has a French/Creole twist. I don't think St. Joseph minds! The sisters at Pauline Books and Media have been graciously allowing me to set up in their bookstore here in Metairie. It includes:
*Sugar cookies ("'tit gateau sec"), decorated green, white, and red, the colors of the Italian flag. I posted the recipe in the blog of December, 2017.
*Shrimp Stuffed Mirlitons, recipe posted November 2017.
*Zoodles (November 2018) with a simple fresh tomato sauce and a dusting of breadcrumb "sawdust," as an homage to "the carpenter."
*Apple roses, an easy puff pastry concoction.
*Fougasse (the French version of focaccia. There is a fabulous recipe online with a step by step video. Be aware, it takes 16-48 hours of a slow rise in the refrigerator. I start this two days in advance. This bread is a hit with supper club, always a special request.
I add a stack of prayer cards for visitors, and also a favorite bottle of wine for the sisters to enjoy with their dinner.
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