For St. Joseph’s Day this year, those of us on the SouthCoast won’t have to travel to Rhode Island to get the sought-after zeppole. There’s a new spot right here in Massachusetts that is offering them up on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
What Is St. Joseph’s Day?
March 19 is St. Joseph’s Day, also known as the Feast of St. Joseph. It honors Joseph, husband of Mary and legal father of Jesus.
What Is Zeppole?
A zeppole is an Italian donut made from cream puff dough and filled with cannoli cream, or custard, or jelly and topped with powdered sugar. Many bakeries get even more creative, especially for St. Joseph’s Day.
Why Are Zeppole Such a Rhode Island Thing?
Rhode Island has a large Italian American population, and the Roman Catholics traditionally observe St. Joseph’s Day. The zeppole became a treat associated with the Feast of St. Joseph through the Italian population, and now has become a staple of the day.
Even though many bakeries offer them throughout the year, they make make extra special or over-the-top zeppole for St. Joseph’s Day.
Zeppole Can Be Had Without Dealing With the Washington Bridge
While SouthCoast zeppole fans never mind the short ride to Providence to pick up their beloved pastry, the Washington Bridge partial shutdown can make driving into Rhode Island a nightmare.
Thankfully, a relatively new restaurant here on the SouthCoast is bringing the zeppole to us…