During the Christian holiday of Saint Joseph's Day, celebrated annually on March 19, a unique tradition known as St Joseph's Day Bread is observed. This special bread, also referred to as "zeppole" or "sfinge," holds significant cultural and culinary importance in many communities worldwide. As we explore the origins and symbolism of this delectable treat, we present a curated collection of recipes that capture the essence of St Joseph's Day Bread. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes offer a delightful taste of tradition and a heartfelt celebration of this cherished holiday.
Let's cook with our recipes!
ST. JOSEPH'S DAY BREAD
Saint Joseph was Mary's husband and the adoptive father of her child, Jesus. A poor carpenter, he did all he could to raise this Child with love and caring. Every March 19th, Italians everywhere celebrate the role Joseph had in raising Jesus and caring for his family. This is a lovely traditional bread posted from an online source in response to a recipe request. The hard work could be done in a bread machine on the dough cycle. Prep time is approximate.
Provided by Molly53
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 3h35m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Stir together in a large bowl 1 1/2 cups of the flour, yeast, honey, hot water, salt, butter and anise seeds and mix into a smooth batter.
- Stir in the golden raisins and beat for another 10 minutes, gradually adding flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky (you may not need to use all the flour).
- Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, and turn to coat.
- Cover with plastic wrap, and place in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Grease a baking sheet and dust with cornmeal.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and punch down.
- Roll into a long tight loaf, and place seam side down onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to make 3 or four diagonal slashes on the top.
- Cover and let rise in warm place until double in size, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mist the loaf with water of vinegar before baking, and twice during.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crust is golden brown, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
ST. JOSEPH'S DAY BREAD
Posted by request. This bread is usually made once a year to celebrate St. Joseph's Day (March 19th). Prep time includes all kneading/rising time (approx. 2 1/2 hours).
Provided by Dee514
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 2h55m
Yield 2 braided loaves
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a small bowl, combine the water, yeast, shortening, sugar, oil and salt.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixer bowl, put 2 1/2 cups of the flour, add liquid (yeast) mixture.
- Beat by hand or on low speed of electric mixer until all ingredients are well blended.
- Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (about 6-8 minutes of kneading).
- Shape dough into a ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl.
- Turn dough once to grease all surfaces.
- Cover the bowl, and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled (about 40-60 minutes).
- Punch down dough, and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
- Cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll each piece (by hand) into a 12 inch long rope.
- Using 3 ropes for each loaf, braid the dough and secure the ends of the braid by tucking the ends underneath.
- Place the braids on greased baking sheets.
- Cover the braids, and let rise until nearly doubled (about 30-45 minutes).
- Brush top and sides of loaves with the beaten egg.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake in a 400°F oven for 25 minutes, or until bread tests done and is golden brown.
- Remove from baking sheet and cool on wire rack.
ST. JOSEPH'S DAY SOUP
Steps:
- Place the chickpeas and both beans in a large bowl, add water to cover by several inches, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight; drain.
- In a large pot, combine the chickpeas and beans, add cold water to cover by 1 inch and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 hour, adding more water if needed. Add the lentils, split peas, fennel, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, and water to cover as necessary. Cook for 1 hour more. Add the greens and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the soup is thick and all of the legumes are tender. (The fava beans and split peas will break apart and thicken the soup.)
- Just before serving, heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss the bread cubes with the oil and spread them in a single layer in a roasting pan. Bake, stirring once, until toasted and crisp, about 10 minutes.
- Spoon the soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle the croutons on top.
Tips:
- Use a good quality bread flour. This will give your bread a better texture and flavor.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If your yeast is old or inactive, your bread will not rise properly.
- Proof your yeast before using it. This will help to ensure that it is active and will help your bread to rise better.
- Knead your dough well. This will help to develop the gluten in the flour, which will give your bread a better texture.
- Let your dough rise in a warm place. This will help it to rise properly.
- Bake your bread in a preheated oven. This will help to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Let your bread cool slightly before slicing it. This will help to prevent it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
St. Joseph's Day bread is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you are looking for a new bread recipe to try, I highly recommend St. Joseph's Day bread.
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