Pasta di San Giuseppe for St.Joseph's Day

Pasta di San Giuseppe, or "sawdust pasta," is a traditional Italian dish served on March 19th, featuring pasta coated in toasted, garlic-infused breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs symbolize the sawdust left behind by St. Joseph, the Parton saint of carpenters, honoring his profession and symbolizing 

humility, poverty and is work.

• 1 lb. package of Mafalda or Pappardelle Pasta  
• 1 cup Italian or plain breadcrumbs 
• 6 tablespoons Olive oil  
• 4 tablespoons butter  
• 3 anchovy fillets   
• 2 large garlic cloves, chopped  
• Salt and pepper to taste   
• Fresh chopped parsley to taste  
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese  

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste.  

Place 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan. When oil is warm, add breadcrumbs and stir. Continue to stir over medium heat until breadcrumbs are lightly toasted. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil, chopped garlic, anchovy fillets. Sauté over medium-low heat until anchovies are dissolved and garlic is just beginning to turn golden. Add the parmesan cheese and set aside 

Cook pasta according to package directions for Al Dente. Reserve a ladle of pasta water. With hand strainer, remove pasta from water and place in sauté pan. 

Add the butter and all of the breadcrumb mixture except 4 tbs. and a little pasta water at a time. 

Place sauté pan over medium flame and stir to coat pasta. Add plenty of chopped parsley (about 1/2 cup) and a little ground pepper. Stir well to incorporate. Serve hot with additional sprinkle of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and pepper.