St. Joseph’s Day Savings: Feasting the Italian Way
A guide to celebrating St. Joseph's Day with a traditional Italian feast on a budget.
St. Joseph’s Day Savings: Feasting the Italian Way
St. Joseph’s Day, celebrated on March 19th, is a beloved holiday in Italian culture. It’s a day to honor St. Joseph, the patron saint of fathers, workers, and the family. The centerpiece of the celebration is the St. Joseph’s Table, a lavish, meatless feast that’s shared with the entire community. This guide will show you how to create your own beautiful and budget-friendly St. Joseph’s Day feast.
The Menu
A traditional St. Joseph’s Day feast is a meatless affair, which makes it naturally budget-friendly. Here are a few classic dishes to get you started:
- Pasta con le Sarde (Pasta with Sardines): This classic Sicilian dish is a staple of many St. Joseph’s Day tables. It’s made with pasta, sardines, fennel, raisins, and pine nuts, and it’s a delicious and affordable way to feed a crowd.
- Fava Bean Soup (Maccu di San Giuseppe): This hearty and delicious soup is made with dried fava beans, which are a budget-friendly and nutritious source of protein.
- St. Joseph’s Day Pastries (Zeppole di San Giuseppe): These iconic cream-filled pastries are a must-have for any St. Joseph’s Day celebration. You can find them at most Italian bakeries in Chicago, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Italian Bread: No Italian feast is complete without a loaf of crusty Italian bread. You can make your own at home or pick up a loaf from your local Jewel-Osco bakery.
The St. Joseph’s Table
The St. Joseph’s Table is a beautiful and symbolic tradition. It’s typically decorated with a statue of St. Joseph, as well as an abundance of food, flowers, and candles. Here are a few tips for creating your own St. Joseph’s Table on a budget:
- Use what you have: You don’t need to buy expensive decorations. Use a simple white tablecloth, a few candles, and some fresh flowers from your garden or your local Jewel-Osco.
- Incorporate symbolic items: Lemons, breadcrumbs (representing sawdust), and a statue of St. Joseph are all traditional elements of a St. Joseph’s Table.
- Share with others: The most important part of the St. Joseph’s Table is the spirit of charity and community. Share your feast with friends, family, and those in need.
Community and Charity
The St. Joseph’s Day feast is a celebration of community and a reminder of the importance of charity. In many Chicago neighborhoods, you’ll find St. Joseph’s Tables set up in churches and community centers, where everyone is welcome to share in the feast. It’s a beautiful tradition that brings people together and celebrates the spirit of giving.
This St. Joseph’s Day, embrace this beautiful and meaningful tradition and share a delicious and budget-friendly feast with your loved ones. Buon Appetito!