‘U Cuccidatu’, The Bread of St. Joseph

Today on my way to buy my bread from the baker, I came across a nice story. The protagonist is a Sicilian woman of eighty, the sweet lady Gina.

I love listening to the stories they tell seniors… stories of memories, people, of flavors, traditions that bring us back to the land that each of us has the heart.

Gina, thanks to the support of Gianmario Longoni, a baker in Cesano Maderno, carries on an ancient tradition of his country: Sicily.

Every year, in the laboratory of handicraft shop Gianmario, prepares a distinctive symbol bread from various forms of celebrations dedicated to Saint Joseph: ‘U Cuccidatu’.

With the help of Gianmario and grandchildren, proceeds with patience to the mix and the recording of this simple bread dough that, once brushed with egg yolk and cooked in the oven, enriches the altar and is offered during the celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph.

One way to remember its origins and to keep alive the tradition of his country. A gesture of love for a land that many have been forced to leave, but despite the distance, continues to live on in the memories and traditions.

A story I wanted to tell in this day of 19 March, St. Joseph's Day and Father's Day. My best wishes are for you today… for those dads who live next door every day, and for those who live in our memories.