St. Joseph's Table
Celebrating a Sicilian Tradition
by
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Centuries ago a severe famine enveloped the island of Sicily which caused considerable suffering and starvation. The farm community at the time turned to St. Joseph in prayer asking for help and provision. Coming to him in prayer, the famine soon ended and in gratitude the farmers and their families honored St. Joseph by building an altar and filling it with their most prized possession: food. This book provides step by step instruction, illustrations and photos to guide you from start to finish for your own St. Joseph's Table. You'll find your shopping list, time-lines, recipes and templates to assist you in your planning. See a recipe example below: Fruit Cookies Ingredients: 10 C Flour (All-purpose) 10 tsp. Baking Powder 8 each Eggs (beaten) 1 ¾ C Shortening 2 C Sugar (granulated) 1 C Crushed Pineapple (juice included) 1 C Pecans (chopped) 1 C Maraschino Cherries (chopped) 2 T Vanilla extract 1 C Raisins Method: In a stainless steel bowl combine Sugar, Shortening, and Eggs. Add Flour, Baking Powder, and mix completely. Fold in fruit, extract, and nuts. Drop tablespoons full of dough on a greased sheet pan and bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven to cooling rack. Cooled cookies can be iced with a basic icing of Confectioner’s Sugar, Milk, Cherry juice, and melted Butter. (use Photo #22) These proven recipes and techniques are a compilation of the Sicilian heritage practiced for generations in our family and now passed on to you.
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About the Book
In his second book, Michael describes and illustrates his family’s tradition of planning, preparing, and displaying food on a homebuilt altar (table) in honor of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the sick and wounded members of the community of Blende, Colorado. Blende is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, where neighbors still support each other when life’s trials are knocking on their hearts’ doors. St. Joseph is regarded as the chief intercessor for prayers on behalf of the community of believers seeking healing and prosperity. This St. Joseph’s table tradition is a guide for families who desire to honor this celebration. The book includes step-by-step illustrations and instruction to get started. A realistic time line and grocery list accompany many photos of completed tables presented by families for generations. Included are templates and recipes, which provide the necessary components for planning your own St. Joseph’s Day celebration.
About the Author
Michael J. Longo, CEC is an award-winning certified executive chef and the author of two cookbooks: Let’s Take a Leek (a book about a chef, fabulous soups, and a slightly different sense of humor) and The St. Joseph’s Table: A Sicilian Tradition. He is a culinary instructor for the Mission Culinary Academy, where he teaches basic fundamental skills to men and women recovering from addiction at the Springs Rescue Mission. Michael also has the privilege of being an adjunct instructor, teaching culinary classes at Pikes Peak Community College. He has judged both professional and amateur culinary competitions throughout the Front Range. Michael has had the pleasure of working at excellent culinary venues such as the Broadmoor Hotel and Glen Eyrie Conference Center, where he was instrumental in starting the wonderful Madrigal tradition and is the owner and operator of Nana Longo’s Restaurant and First Impressions Catering. When he is not enjoying free time with his wife, Pam; two sons; and three precious grandchildren, Michael is an avid fisherman, rod builder, and fly tier.