Friday, March 19, 2010

~FingerPrint Friday......Traditions~


There's a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman that goes:


I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you.

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know it's true.

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.

I see God's Fingerprints in Traditions....those time-honored customs passed down from generation to generation.

Jim and I made Fried Dough last night to take to our grandchildren tomorrow. God's Fingerprints will be evident as we watch those little smiles and "Hmmmmmm"s when they bite into them. God's blessings at their best~

I'm reprinting last year's photos and column, as I'm busy in the studio today. Enjoy!

St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, is said to be the patron saint of home, family and laborers. His Feast Day is celebrated on his birthday: March 19th. It's a Sicilian tradition to make Fritelles or Fried Dough on that day. Depending on the region of Italy you are from, they may be called zeppole, or sfinges instead. For an interesting picture collage of fried doughs from all over the world, click here.

My Nonna always used her homemade raised bread dough to make Fritelles, as did my Mom, but I've found that the frozen Rhodes bread dough works quite well....and is way easier!

All you do is tear off about 2 inch pieces of the raised, raw dough, and fry them quickly in about a 1/2 inch of hot canola oil. Drain them on paper towels, then roll them in granulated sugar. My Mom often tucked raisins into the raw dough before frying. I make one batch with raisins for the kids, and one plain batch for Jim. One bite into the sugary, doughy delicacy will have you hooked. They rarely have time to cool before they've all disappeared...no matter how many I make!

Whenever I fry them up, I'm transported back into time......standing in my Nonna's or my Mother's kitchen, swinging my tanned legs back-and-forth, long curls flying, licking every last bit of the sugary coating off each of my fingers, begging for "just one more".

I continued the tradition by frying up batches of Fritelles for the boys on Sunday mornings in March before mass all the years they were growing up. It's a tradition that we continue to this day.....whether it's just Jim and I, or the boys, Jackie, and the grandchildren. Fried Memories
at their finest~


Buon Giorno di San Giuseppe – Happy St. Joseph’s Day!

Stop over at Beki's Blog to read more FingerPrints and join in the fun~

Click on the link to go to more blogs celebrating New Friends Friday~

The Girl Creative


8 comments:

Holly said...

Hello! I'm visiting from New Friend Friday. That fried dough looks amazing... yum! I also like the necklaces in your Etsy shop... you're very creative!

-Holly

Rosebud Collection said...

Oh I love tradition..so many families don't have it..My mom was Polish decent..and I still carry on her traditions. Everything is family and so many miss this.
Happy Fingerprint Friday..All our girls/granddaughters carry the middle name Mary/Maria..boys (grandchildren) Joseph..
Happy Fingerprint Friday.

Laura E said...

Hello! This is my first (of many) visits to your blog; it is beautiful! When you have a chance, could you tell me about the company and pattern of your lovely blue floral plate that holds your fritelles? Thanks!

Vicki said...

What a beautiful post! I didn't know of this tradition. The fritelles sound wonderful and I am going to have to try them. I am so glad that you reposted this because I missed it the first time around! Have a blessed Lenten season.

Jude said...

I love reading about other peoples traditions and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

artsyclay said...

Oh, those look so good! Can you mail me some? LOL

I love how tradition connects us back to my parents and grandparents, and now down to my kids and grandkids. Although my kids and I are Catholic, we enjoy making and eating Matzo Ball Soup and remembering how my mother always had a big pot of it ready for us when we came to visit. So heartwarming.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I love that song...and I love your tradition! Yum, yum! Also, can't wait to see what you are cooking up in your studio!! Will be waiting...and in the meantime, pass me some more fritelles ;-) ~Janine XO

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Just checking in on you, my dear friend...I expect you are busy, busy, busy in your studio! Sending you much love, Janine Xo