Frances Mayes who wrote "Under the Tuscan Sun" which was also made into a movie (just barely resembling the book by the way), wrote a charming little anecdote about learning to cook Tuscan-style when she found out that St. Lorenzo (St. Lawrence), was the patron Saint of Cooks. Currently I'm reading her new book on traveling around the world, and St. Lorenzo came up again. I thought I'd do a little more research and maybe even find myself a little St. Lawrence statue, and in the process, some other Gastronomic Saints showed up as well. Here's who they are:
St. Lorenzo/Lawrence
It turns out that St. L is specifically the Patron Saint of Grills (however, some say the Patron Saint of Boiled Foods). Why? Because he was martyred on one (again, or boiled depending on which story you listen to). The story goes that instead of screaming in pain, he asked to be turned over when he was "done" on that side. So all you grillers and Kabob fans should get yourself a St. L statue, and remember to turn your food before it burns! (Also, all you boiled cabbage, rice, and poached egg lovers can say a little prayer as well).St. Elizabeth
Maybe my favorite, St. Elizabeth is the Patron Saint of Bakers. How delightful! The reason is even more charming -- it turns out that after the death of her husband, St. E baked bread for the poor and took care of the sick until her own death. Now that's a Catholic chick I could look up to!St. Michael
The Patron Saint of Grocery Stores, and this one is kinda funny. It turns out that St. M is not only one of the Arc Angels, but is also the Patron Saint of Police Officers (he's the Angel who killed the Dragon, I'm sure you've seen paintings and wall hangings depicting it). However, because Grocery Stores were (and still are) so frequently looted and robbed, and because the cops come to the rescue, he now works double duty.St. Pascual
The Patron Saint of kitchens and domestic animals. Although he could bless any kitchen, he is specifically fond of Mexican Cuisine (he was a Spanish Monk). So, hang some chili’s around his neck and he'll make sure your oven doesn't conk out!St. Marta
A most important culinary Saint. Marta was the sister of Mary Magdalene, and kept Jesus and his gang fed. Because hospitality was so important to her, later after Jesus' death, she became the Saint of Hospitality (did someone say Dinner Party?), Inn's and currently Bed & Breakfasts. How cute is that!St. Urban
The Patron Saint of grapes and vines, a.k.a. wine. He was actually Pope for a short while and was then murdered. I don't really understand why after his death he was linked to Wine... but there you have it. You can put a St. Urban sticker on your Wine rack for good measure, and sweet libations.
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