feast of the seven fishes

Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian-Style Christmas Eve

As a cook, sometimes I itch to veer away from the traditional holiday roast and make something different. This year I decided to scratch that itch. My search led me to a Southern Italian tradition called “Feast of the Seven Fishes” in which Italians “fast” on Christmas Eve. At first I was appalled at the idea, but the more I read about this tradition the more I realized it was anything but a fast. While they may not consume red meat on this holiday, they sure do eat a whole lot of fish!
Interestingly enough, it appears that the Feast of the Seven Fishes can be adapted to celebrate many different things. For instance, you could celebrate the seventh day when God rested after creating the heavens and earth. Or, if that doesn’t resonate you might celebrate the seven hills of Rome. I really like the way Italians fast!
So, in the spirit of cooking something different this holiday season, I will be posting some fun and exquisitely delicious Italian recipes, adapted Good Decisions style of course.
Join me in my first dish…. a classic Cioppino!