DOUBLE DOSE OF SAINTS-JUST IN TIME!

Good Morning Foodies!

We all know, around the world that tomorrow, is SAINT PATRICK’S DAY! This day is widely celebrated and observed for the patron saint of the IRISH people. Regardless of our own heritage, on this day, aren’t we all a bit IRISH?

I think the IRISH BLESSING pretty much sums up this day.

“MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU.

MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK.

MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE.

MAY THE RAIN FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS.

AND UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN,

MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND”!

I hope your day is filled with FOUR-LEAF CLOVERS!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like two great SAINTS are celebrated this week.

Growing up in the Italian culture, ST. JOSEPH’S DAY is monumental. This day is MARCH 19TH! I have such great memories growing up with the approach of this special day. You haven’t seen anything until you see all those little Italian women preparing the food and beverages for this day.

For those of you who are not familiar with this big production, here is a very short version of the event. Usually, a family or families gather, to pay homage to St. Joseph for some special favor that was granted through prayer. Children are selected to represent the HOLY FAMILY and some special SAINTS. After the altar is blessed, the selected HOLY FAMILY, has to taste each item that comes off the altar, and then it is passed on to the gathering of people. Most leftovers are donated to some worthy group.

When I was about 6, I was selected to be MARY. Needless, to say, being that young, I could care less about most of the food passing my way—NOW IF THAT WAS TODAY—THEY WOULD HAVE TROUBLE GETTING MARY OFF THE ALTAR!

If you ever get to visit one, do so—YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. There is some of the most amazing food items served. It is not just random food—there is a significant meaning to each item served. Some of the items were as follows:

Dried Fava Beans—carry in your wallet-you would always have money on hand.

Blessed Bread in Freezer-throw crumbs out in bad storms to protect you.

Blessed Bread Shapes: Round (circle of life); Oval (Easter); Cross.

Bread Crumbs Spread Around Altar-represents St. Joseph’s carpenter dust.

Never meat on the altar—only seafood (because this holiday usually falls during Lent)

Beautiful Meringue Doves-represent the Holy Spirit.

The night before there is the blessing of the altar and all gather to say the rosary. How I miss those days! I can still smell those ST. JOSEPHY FRITTERS that flowed through LITTLE MAW-MAW’S HOUSE!

Will not be posting next week! I have a busy week preparing some of those fabulous foods served during EASTER. My first project is to stuff “36” ARTICHOKES! When I do this I always feel like my MOM is by my side, patting me on the back, smiling and approving that I keep trying to pass on family traditions! GOT IT MOM!

Will be back on MONDAY, MARCH 27TH!

Have a safe and productive weekend!