Happy Fava's Day

Happy Fava’s Day

The American Tradition of Father’s Day by some accounts was started in 1910 in Spokane Washington by Sonja Dodd, to honor her father and all fathers.  With the help of her church and the local YWCA it got off to a slow start and the holiday almost died, partly because people felt that is was being over commercialized. Attempts were made by Teddy Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge to make it a National holiday, but their actions were blocked by members of congress who also feared over commercialization. 

Just when it looked like Fathers’ Day holiday was almost forgotten, in stepped the “National Fathers’ Day Committee”.  The group was founded in New York City in 1930 and did a wonderful job of preserving the holiday.  The group was actually a part of the “Associated Men's Wear Retailers” and later became know as “National Council for the Promotion of Father's Day”  (I wonder if they sold “Ties” too?..... just saying)

So the American tradition of Father’s Day which almost died due to fear of over commercialization was saved by the retailers.   Now every beloved Dad in America is honored on his special day by the gift of an ugly tie. American Capitalism at it’s finest!

Of course In Italy the tradition started a little earlier, around 500 AD the Sicilians were experiencing a terrible drought and prayed to “San Giuseppe” and promised to honor him with a feast day if their prayers were answered.  The rains came and the fava bean crop was saved. Sicilians were saved from starvation and even to this day fava beans are placed on their alters to honor “San Giuseppe”. 

The holiday evolved to honor all fathers on “San Giuseppe Day”, which is celebrated in March in Italy.   And while fava beans saved the Sicilians they really don’t make that great of a gift for Dad.   That’s when the a baker named Pasquale Pintauro stepped in and started the tradition of “San Giuseppe” or St Joseph’s cakes, also know as Zeppole.  Italian Pastry at it’s finest!

Zeppole were featured in many episodes of “The Soprano’s”.   Tony loved them so much he often felt faint in their presence and Christopher opened fire in a local eatery and almost whacked a waiter because he wasn’t served the little treats first.  While we don’t want Dad to faint and certainly don’t condone the whacking of waiters, we would like to make you an offer you shouldn’t refuse.  Skip the fava beans, although it’s been said they do go great with a “Nice Chianti”.  Skip the bad tie, the American retailers will understand. Instead make Dad some Zeppole and enjoy Festa del Papa.

 

Zeppole

Ingredients:

•  
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (2 1/4 teaspoon) package instant yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 3 eggs
• 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions:

• Mix the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon.
• In another large bowl, empty the yeast package, and then slowly add the warm water, mixing with a fork to fully dissolve the yeast.
• When the yeast mixture forms some bubbles, add the mixture to the flour/salt, then add the three eggs.
• Mix the batter, then set the bowl on top of your refrigerator (or other warm place), cover with damp dish towel.
• After 20 minutes, check the dough for rising, mix again and let rise for another 20 minutes.
• In a saucepan, heat the oil to medium heat.
• Add the dough by the spoonful (about the size of 2 golf balls) Experiment with the first batch to make sure the oil is not too hot.
• Remove when golden brown and place on paper bags to absorb the oil.
• Place warm Zeppoles in a paper bag with powdered sugar and SHAKE. You want them well covered with the powdered sugar.
•  These are messy.
•  If yours are not messy, you need more sugar!
• En joy!