**Photography by Vito Bruno
June 13th is the feast day of Saint Anthony, patron of lost things. While almost every day of the calendar year is dedicated to a particular saint, Anthony is one I revere for several reasons. First, as already mentioned, he is invoked for finding things lost or stolen which I can say from personal experience have reappeared after prayer. It was also during my visit to Padova several years ago where I penned a special prayer to St. Anthony and set in the box of intentions upon the alter of the basilica; a prayer for a special miracle with which I was later blessed.
The second reason I circle this date on my calendar is because I happen to be acquainted with a number of people who bear this name or a derivative of it. The etymology of this name reveals that it is the English form of the Roman family name Antonius which is derived from the Greek meaning “worthy of praise” which I also firmly believe to be true of the name bearers I am referring to (I have yet to meet and know an Anthony that isn’t a kind soul).
And last but not least, the feast of Saint Anthony is celebrated by several culinary traditions. The first and most noted is that of “St. Anthony’s Bread” which is the promise of giving alms in return for a favor asked of God through St. Anthony’s intercession (this act because of the mother that promised St. Anthony that she would give to the poor her child’s weight in wheat if he could bring the child back to life from a drowning).
It is also customary on this feast day to decorate with pots of sweet basil and to give some away to friends with prayers invoking the Saint.
Finally, because St. Anthony was a Portuguese priest (he was born in Lisbon but died in Padova Italy which is why he is referred to as San Antonio di Padova) he is celebrated with sangria (an alcoholic punch consisting of red wine and chopped fruit, often with other ingredients such as orange juice or brandy).
How fitting then to raise a glass of strawberry-basil sangria in honor of this beloved saint and wish all those bearing this name a Buon Onomastico! Buon Appetito e Salute!
Strawberry-Basil Sangria
Ingredients:
- 750ml bottle red wine
- 16 strawberries sliced
- 12 basil leaves cut into chiffonade (think slices)
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice (blood orange would also be great)
- 1/2 cup white rum
- ice
- sparkling water
Directions:
Place the basil and sugar in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or other small pitcher and muddle slightly. Place the muddled basil into pitcher then add sliced strawberries, rum, juice and wine. Stir, then cover and chill for two to four hours (the longer the berries and basil macerate in the liquid the better the flavor).
Fill a glass with ice then pour in the sangria leaving about an inch at the top to add sparkling water. Garnish with basil leaves and enjoy!
