Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins the 40 day peoriod of reflection and preparation for Easter (though many consider it a time of penance, one of the nuns who cared for John Paul II said that if approached with the proper spirit it is quite uplifting) During this period practicing Catholics renounce meat out of respect for Jesus's sacrifice on the Cross, and as one might expect fish suddenly becomes a much more important part of the diet.

Though most people think of fish with fins and scales, there are many other options, including squid, cuttlefish, and the octopus we have here. A couple of recipes:

• Polpo e Fagioli, Octopus and Beans:
  A traditional recipe from Pisa, on the Tuscan coast.
• Calamari Piccanti Calabresi, Spicy Calabrian Squid
  Zesty & fun!
• Seppie in Inzimino, Cuttlefish with Greens
  This is wonderful with Octopus too

More about Ash Wednesday

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