THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES

Italian famlies throughout the world enjoy the feast of seven fishes on Christmas Eve. Each dish is intended to celebrate the impending birth of Christ. The feast begins with shell fish because in olden days crustaceans were the food of the very poor and Christ's life spoke to the importance of even the lowest of God's creatures. Clams and Mussels in white or red sauce is served over pasta is a must as in Shrimp or Scallops.

Next comes Baccala (salt cured Cod) in an aromatic stew Cod, until most recently, was the most common of fish and a main stay of the diet of the poor

Then there is Squid or "Calamari" as it is known in the "Cucina" (kitchen). Sliced into rings, dipped in egg and flour then deep fried. The Squid's many swirling tentacles represents the many different directions that Christ's teachings went throughout the world.

Eel is served lightly dusted with flour and fried or roasted. This fast moving citizen of the sea symbolizes the speed at which the work of Christ was spread.

Then comes the tiny whole Smelts dipped in flour and deep fried. They signify that the smallest and most humble of fish are pleasing to God. Served with lemon, they are also the most pleasing to people.

Rounding off the feast is a good soft white fleshed fish such as Poached Whiting. Whiting has always been abundant and easily available to everyone.

STOPS ALONG THE WAY

SEAFOOD

PRODUCE and UTENSILS

CHEESE, BREAD and SPICE

ROAST PORK