In this festive episode, I delve into the origins and traditions of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a cherished Italian American Christmas Eve celebration. Joined by Patrick O'Boyle from the Italian American Podcast, I explore the history and myths surrounding the 'seven fishes' notion, its sudden popularity in the 1980s, and how different fish dishes evolved. We share personal anecdotes, regional variations, and insights from chef Anita DiPietro on the significance of numbers in Italian culinary traditions. The episode also features a detailed account of Christmas Eve preparations and recipes from my dear friend Jennifer Federico, spotlighting the cultural richness and adaptability of Italian American holiday customs.
00:00 Introduction to the Feast of the Seven Fishes
00:39 Origins and Theories of the Seven Fishes
02:44 Italian American Traditions and Memories
05:37 Post-War Changes and Modern Adaptations
08:40 Cultural Significance and Personal Stories
19:28 Conclusion and Future Plans
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