The Feasts of Saints

Feasting on the Stories of the Saints

by Danielle Oteri July 28, 2011

“The Feasts of Saints in Italian neighborhoods around the country are a tradition that is quickly fading, and evidence of their once great importance can be found tattered and scattered, often in food.”

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Fried Dough That Doesn’t Need a Deep Fryer

by Danielle Oteri June 10, 2011

“There’s something so giddily exciting about the greasy goodness of fried dough, perhaps because it’s so fleeting. As soon as it cools, you’re left wondering what you were thinking.”

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A Religious Dedication to Lupini Beans

by Danielle Oteri May 9, 2011

“Most folks have probably never heard of them, but lupini beans can be easily found in most grocery stores, usually in the same aisle as the olives, canned artichokes, and jarred peppers.”

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Minni di Virgini, or St. Agatha’s Breasts

by Danielle Oteri February 4, 2011

“She stared at me blankly. Encouraged by the prayer cards taped to the walls behind the register, I took a deep breath and finally said, ‘They look like breasts.’ “

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Zeppole for Saint Joseph

by Danielle Oteri March 19, 2010

“Even though the feast of St. Joseph usually falls in the middle of Lent, the Sicilians, not known for restraining from pleasure, pay him homage with light-as-air fried cream puffs called zeppole.”

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Saffron Buns for the Solstice

by Danielle Oteri December 18, 2009

“Of course the name Lucy, or Lucia, also reminds us of light, something in short supply on the winter solstice. Saint Lucy is one of countless myths that was re-interpreted through the lens of Christianity. Once we become attached to the details of our stories, we often forget about their mystical roots. Fortunately, they can be retrieved in food.”