The St. Joseph cake, also known as Zeppole or Sfingi di San Giuseppe, is a traditional Italian pastry that is typically enjoyed on March 19th to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day. In the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, this pastry is made in a particular way known as the Emiliana style – a recipe that has been passed down for generations. Today, we will delve into the deliciousness of St. Joseph Cake Emiliana style!
What makes the Emiliana style St. Joseph cake unique is its light and airy texture. The pastry dough is prepared with flour, butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The dough is mixed until it is smooth and homogenous, and then it is left to rest for about an hour. During this time, the dough ferments, resulting in a delicate and fluffy texture.
After the dough has rested, it is divided into small portions and shaped into balls. These balls are then deep-fried until they turn golden brown, creating a crispy outer layer while maintaining its light internal structure. Once fried, the dough balls are allowed to cool.
After the dough balls have cooled, they are traditionally filled with a flavorful pastry cream. The pastry cream is made by heating milk and vanilla extract in a saucepan. In a separate bowl, egg yolks, sugar, and flour are whisked together until well combined. The hot milk is then slowly poured into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. The mixture is then returned to the saucepan and heated until it thickens. Once thickened, the pastry cream is allowed to cool before being piped into the hollow center of the fried dough balls.
To complete the St. Joseph Cake Emiliana style, a sweet topping is added. This can be achieved by dusting the pastries with powdered sugar or drizzling them with a lemon glaze. Some versions even incorporate slivered almonds or candied cherries for added flavor and visual appeal. The finished cakes are then served fresh and enjoyed by families as a delightful treat on St. Joseph’s Day.
In addition to its delicious taste and unique preparation, the St. Joseph Cake Emiliana style holds special significance in Italian culture. St. Joseph is considered the patron saint of workers and the protector of families. Therefore, this cake is often made and enjoyed not just as a festive treat but also as a way to honor and pay tribute to St. Joseph and his blessings.
On St. Joseph’s Day in Italy, you can find St. Joseph cakes being sold and shared in bakeries, pastry shops, and even in some homes. Families come together to celebrate this special day, indulging in the delightful flavors of the Emiliana style St. Joseph cake while creating beautiful memories.
Whether you are celebrating St. Joseph’s Day, exploring Italian traditions, or simply crave a delicious pastry, the St. Joseph Cake Emiliana style is a delightful choice. Its light and airy texture, combined with the creamy filling and sweet toppings, make it a perfect treat to savor. So, why not give this traditional Italian delight a try and experience the taste of Emiliana-style St. Joseph cake for yourself?