ST. JOSEPH'S DAY DINNER
Pranzo di San Giuseppe
Lentil Soup
Spaghetti alla Milanese
Cheese Platter
Anchovy Salad
Pane di Spagna
Fruit Bowl
Chilled Wine
Asparagus Milanese
Lima Bean Salad
Assorted Breads
Chestnuts and Mixed Nuts
Cookies
Bread Sticks
Baked Mackerel
Boiled Carrots
Red Bean Salad
Candies
Cassata Margherita
Caffe Espresso
Liqueur

In "The Complete Italian Cook Book: La Cucina" (Grosset & Dunlap, 1953) Rose L. Sorce makes the following observations about the Feast Day of St. Joseph as celebrated by the Sicilians: "The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19th, and for this great day preparations are made weeks in advance by the Sicilians. An altar is erected at the end of a large room against a background of white satin and baby's breath, and in the center is placed a life-size statue of St. Joseph holding the hand of the Baby Jesus with the proud Mother watching them. Tall white tapers and waxy white Easter lilies surround the statues. A long table the length of the room is laden with food of every description. A group of people is selected from poor families and orphans to represent the Holy Family; an elderly man to represent St. Joseph, a 16-year old girl to take the part of the Blessed Mother, a 2-year old boy to perform as the Infant Jesus, and a number of little girls to act as Angels. All are clothed in white with crowns of gold stars. The Holy Family and Angels take their places at the table, with St. Joseph sitting at the head facing the altar; alongside him is his Staff made of bread. The Madonna sits at the right of St. Joseph, and the Infant Jesus on his left is seated on a white satin cushion in the place of honor, with the Angels seated all around. After the Holy Family are seated, the priest enters and blesses all before him; then the little boy, taking the part of the Infant Jesus, who has been taught to bless all around him with his two fingers, raises his hand in benediction, thereby giving the signal that dinner will start. First, one segment of orange is served to each at table, followed by lentil soup, spaghetti Milanese, fish frittata, artichokes, burdock, finocchio, olives, pickles, salads, cheeses, eggs, vegetables, fruits, cookies of every description, breads in many shapes and styles, such as braids, fish, baskets, horns of plenty, flowers, fruits and vegetables, and a large Cross. Finally, confetti with almond, confetti with liqueur, wines and milk are served at the end of the feast by the Holy Family. Now the guests, who have been praying and singing religious songs are invited to eat, continuing the festivity until a late hour. The guests have leave laden with food and memories of a great day."

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