ZEPPOLA DI SAN GIUSEPPE...



..... and his legend.


The Zeppola di San di San Giuseppe is one of the most famous patisserie of all Italy. On March 19, Saint Joseph and Father’s Day – the Zeppole are made throughout the whole of Italy – particularly in the south. It is a typical Napoli pastry, baked in the oven or deep-fried, and filled with a “cream-patissière”. On the top, a cherry crowns the Zeppola. There is a beautiful legend about the origin of the Zeppola di San Giuseppe, which tells, how these sweets have arisen.


Once open the time, there was a carpenter, who sat on the threshold of his workshop, making a chair.

On his side, a child was playing with the wood chips. The sun was being to set, when an old beggar passed. He got down on his knees and asked: “Please, give me something to eat and to drink.”

The carpenter stood up, put his tools aside and helped the beggar on his feet. Then he accompanied him inside the workshop and put him on mat.

“Get some sleep” said the carpenter to the beggar and gave him some fresh water.

“Unfortunately, I can’t give you anything else. We have finished all our bread. However, my wife will be at home soon and she will make us a good soup. If you want, you stay and have dinner with us.” The beggar drank with desire the water and thanked the carpenter for his courtesy. “I can’t stay. I have to go and get back my way. But don’t worry: You did already so much for me. May I know your name? So I will pray for your tonight.” The carpenter replied: “My name is Joseph.” Sadly, he accompanied the beggar outside. How he would have liked to give him some more. Outside his eyes met the child, which was still playing with the wood chips. How great was the miracle, when Joseph saw, that the wood chips at the foot of the child were transformed in a freshly baked, good smelling and savouring-pastry coated with honey.

Jesus – so the name of the child – smiled to the beggar and gave him with delicacy one of these sweets.