During the holidays, many Italian American families celebrate the Feast of the Seven Fishes, known as La Vigilia in Southern Italy. This traditional meal is held before midnight on Christmas Eve and consists of at least seven different types of seafood or seven courses of seafood. With the great variety of seafood available throughout the Gulf Coast states, the tradition lends itself well to Southerners of Italian heritage. Our decadent menu features shrimp, oysters, crawfish, crab, clams, and a few types of fish, plus crispy veggie-laden corn sticks that pair perfectly with each dish.
BAYOU CIOPPINO
Makes about 3 quarts (photo on page 36)
Hearty and filling yet light in consistency, this stew stretches a small amount of several types of fish and shellfish to feed a big crowd.
