by Anthony Parente

Related Articles Feast of St. Joseph St. Joseph's Altar Viva St. Joseph

Below are the instructions for creating the dough and fig filling used in creating these symbolic pieces used to adorn St. Joseph's Altar. Next to each recipe is a picture of an example of what can be created using the dough and fig filling recipes. I want to give special thanks to Eugene Fedeli for sharing his recipes with us. The symbols in the pictures were created by Eugene as well.

DOUGH RECIPE - UNEDIBLE

5 lbs. flour 1 lb. shortening Water, only enough to form a firm dough Combine all ingredients. Knead & roll out as thin as possible yet large enough to cut out the desired shape. You need two of these shapes. Once your shape is ready add the fig filling to the dough & place the second piece of dough directly over the fig filling. Use your creative ability and begin to create a design by cutting out the top layer of the dough. Once you are done being creative you will bake it in a low heat oven until it turns to light brown.

FIG RECIPE
* Purchase one circle of dried figs * Soak figs in warm water for about 10-15 minutes * Remove stem from each fig * Grind figs * If you'd like, you may add raisins * Do not refrigerate paste if you plan to use it soon, it becomes too stiff to work