Paletta di Mandorla

I love traditions. I love other cultures. I love old family stories about gathering around meals and special foods for special occasions. I also love my Catholic faith above all.

I have a cookbook called "Cooking with the Saints" which is a collection of recipes for certain Saints which may be named after a Saint or is a traditional food made on that Saint's feast day in different countries around the world. I love this cookbook... can you see why?

Anyways, today, October 4, is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. That beloved, peaceful, animal Saint whom Pope Francis just happened to name himself after. My cookbook has two recipes for his feast day, so I chose one to make to celebrate his day!

I must say, I don't ever make a meal for a certain Saint or feast day without studying the purpose behind the celebration. Luckily, in this cookbook, there is a short bio on each Saint preceding the recipes, but that usually prompts me to do a little more research to learn even more.

The palette di mandorla (almond slices) that I made comes from the Umbria region of Italy (where St. Francis was born) and is traditionally served on his feast day. According to tradition, this recipe originated with St. Clare of Assisi and was one of the few foods that St. Francis let himself enjoy.

Either way, they were delicious, easy, and went well with my morning coffee. In some small way, my heart feels united with other Italians who may be enjoying these little treats today, too.

O beloved Saint Francis, gentle and poor, your obedience to God and your simple, deep love for all God's creatures led you to the heights of heavenly perfection and turned many hearts to follow God's will. Now, in our day, pray also for us, in our ministry to the many who come here searching for peace and intercede for us as we come before the Lord with our special requests.  

[Mention your special intention.] 

O blessed Saint of God, from your throne among the hosts of heaven present our petitions before our faithful Lord. May your prayers on our behalf be heard and may God grant us the grace to lead good and faithful lives. Amen.

Saint Francis of Assisi,
Pray for us. Amen.