ZEPPOLE MADNESS! ~ Happy St. Joseph's Day!

                                                         
St. Joseph's Day ~ Another March Holiday!
March 19th is St. Joseph's Day! I realize this holiday has religious roots, but I'm going to focus on the food instead! I know, I know. It shouldn't always be about the food, but I just can't help it! I LOVE pastries. And I'm so happy for religious holidays, because they always focus around the most awesome ethnic foods!

St. Joseph's Day comes just two days after St. Patrick's Day and most people don't even know the holiday exists. I don't know about your calendar, but mine is a Rhode Island calendar and St. Joseph's Day is right there, reminding me that RI Italians are celebrating today. Maybe it's a Rhode Island thing?
                                                                                 
Zeppole Insanity!
Being an Italian holiday, the favorite pastry is Zeppole (pronounced ZAY-poe-lay). Most people have no idea what a Zeppole is. I never really gave it much thought before. They just show up in all the bakeries on the same day! Kind of like an Italian Santa Claus bringing Thousands upon Thousands of Zeppole! These were purchased at Antonio's ~ our favorite Italian bakery. They're located on West Shore Rd in Warwick, RI (401-738-3727). I couldn't really tell you how much they were. I really didn't care as long as I had one!
                                                                                    
Zeppole ~ So Addictive!
A sinfully rich pastry, the Zeppole seems to be a cross between a cream puff and donut of baked or fried dough filled with a delicious custard (although it can also be made with cannoli or ricotta filling) and topped with a piece of candied cherry. They are so addictive, you could easily put down 2 or 3 of these Belly-Bombs! You have to order them early or you'll be out of luck. I got mine just in time and MAN, they were good! We ripped open the box and ate them right there in the car with a plastic fork! A cup of Dunkin' Donuts Hazelnut coffee was the beverage of choice. I got a traditional Zeppole and John got an Irish Cream Zeppole. I guess the bakery figured they may as well exploit the two saints, blend them together and come up with another unbelievably wicked-good treat!
I've included some photos to make you drool.
                                                                  

Comments

[Kerri]

oooh I love Antonio's. Those look so good! Now I want a cream puff!

[Erika Martin - Stampin' Mama]

I'm aching for some of Antonio's eclairs now. If only you could mail me some.