Stories
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THE EVOLUTION OF TAX DAY
And a spoonful of sugar! In 1962 President Lincoln signed into law a revenue-raising measure to help pay for the expenses of the Civil War. This created a Commission of Internal Revenue and the nation’s first income tax because it levied a 3 percent tax on incomes between $600 and $10,000 and a 5 percent Continue reading
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A Sweet Spaghetti Flan – Perfect for Spring
This is an ancient Roman recipe with multiple versions and similar to a Neapolitan pastierra, that have weathered the passing of time. Usually popular around Easter time but delicious especially in warm months. And a very romantic “dinner for two” anytime enjoyed with a nice glass of wine. 8 oz Spaghetti½ C. Sugar2 Eggs – Continue reading
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Welcome to April with A Pineapple Bundt Cake
Here we are ready to begin April, with the pollen blanketing everything like snow and totally unwelcomed. And while we had already been busy celebrating the arrival of Spring on March 21st, we also celebrated the Feast Days of St. Patrick and St. Joseph with much preparation of foods and customs followed by Palm Sunday Continue reading
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LA PASQUETTA
Easter Monday in Italy Easter Monday, also known as La Pasquetta in Italy is a very big part of the Italian Easter celebration. The day is celebrated by visiting friends, going on picnics or taking a short one-day holiday out of the city. It is a festive but also a rather meaningful day because this day commemorates Continue reading
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Holy Saturday
On this day, Christians reflect on the death and burial of Jesus and prepare for his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Easter Vigil, which is celebrated on Holy Saturday after sunset, is the most important liturgical event of the day and marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this day the Church abstains strictly from the celebration of Continue reading
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Holy Thursday and Baked Fish with Tomatoes
MAUNDY THURSDAY At every Catholic Mass we attend we hear these solemn words “on the night He was betrayed” and rightfully so because this night is Holy Thursday. It is part of Holy Week and devoutly celebrated in Italy because for Catholics it is one of the most important nights in all of history for Continue reading
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Easter in Italy
If you ever happen to be in Italy for Easter, you won’t see the cagey bunny or enjoy an Easter egg hunt. However, Easter in Italy is a huge, festive holiday, second only to Christmas in its importance for Italians. While the days leading up to Easter include solemn processions and masses, Pasqua is a joyous celebration Continue reading
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THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH AND THE STORY OF THE ST. JOSEPH TABLE
Joseph was a 1st-century Jewish man of Nazareth who, according to the canonical Gospels, was married to Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, and was made the legal father of Jesus. Joseph is venerated as Saint Joseph in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Church, Anglicanism and Lutheranism. Scripture tells us that he was born Continue reading
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St. Patrick’s Day in Italy and Dublin Coddle Stew
CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN ITALY While many of us associate St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with green beer, Irish music and corned beef and cabbage here in our own United States, it is fun to know that this day is also celebrated in Italy. Expats from Ireland and the US have even created a tradition of Continue reading
Ancora 