Posted on 2nd Sep 2012 @ 10:46 AM

So far in 2012, Spring seems to be arriving early with our low snowfall totals...many of us can see our spring daffodil bulbs peeking out of the ground and it is only February!  At La Molisana Sausage, we know Spring is near as Sandy and Maria start to prepare for Lent, St. Joseph's Day and Easter.

During Lent, Roman Catholics choose something to give up for the forty day season (called Quaresima in Italian) as a symbol of faith.  Rob has given up bread this year...this is going to be a long forty days!  We also give up eating meat on Fridays.  If you are stumped for dinner ideas during Lent, La Molisana can help.  We stock blocks of whole body frozen calamari; fill these with bread stuffing and saute in a red sauce over fettucine for something different.  We also carry smelts; toss in egg and bread crumb then pan fry these with fresh lemon and angel hair pasta for a zesty option.  How about a traditional risotto made with porcini mushrooms and saffron?  This dish is easier than you think and Sandy has the dried porcinis, imported saffron, truffle oil and grated cheese needed to make this a main course.

St. Joseph's Day is typically celebrated on March 19th in homage to the husband of the Virgin Mary.  This is also Father's Day in Italy.  Often eggless, meatless pastry such as zepolles are served as part of a St. Joseph's Day celebration as Joseph is the patron saint of pastry chefs.  Joseph was a carpenter and many sweets include crumbs to symbolize saw dust.  Robert's favorite St. Joseph's day tradition is a treat some call a calcionetti - its a pastry turnover filled with mashed chick peas and honey. 

At the end of March, Maria will begin taking orders for pizzagaina and rice pies while Rob will take orders for Easter lamb and goat. 

What kinds of traditions do you and your family look forward to each Spring?