St Cecilia’s Grazing Platter

by Grazia Barletta · Published November 22, 2024 · Updated November 22, 2024

Every month in her Cape Town kitchen, GRAZIA BARLETTA prepares a recipe inspired by the saints, and shares it with our readers in text and photos taken exclusively for The Southern Cross by the chef herself.

Born into a wealthy Roman family in the early 3rd century, St Cecilia’s name is listed in the Roman canon among early Church martyrs. Tradition holds that despite her vow of virginity and conversion to Christianity, she was compelled by her parents to marry a pagan nobleman named Valerian.

On her wedding day, amid the music, Cecilia silently communed with God. This act, among others, led to her association with music and the arts. Later that night, she revealed her faith and vow to Valerian, who subsequently converted to Christianity, along with his brother. According to legend, an angel appeared to Valerian, reinforcing Cecilia’s piety.

The couple dedicated themselves to burying Christian martyrs, defying the orders of the city’s prefect, Turcius Almachius. Their evangelism led to the conversion of hundreds before they were arrested and tortured around 230 AD. During their ordeal, they remained steadfast in their faith. Ultimately, Almachius ordered her beheading. Three strikes by the sword on her neck couldn’t kill her. She was allowed to go home and died there three days later. She was buried in the catacombs.

St Cecilia’s enduring legacy is in the power of music to uplift, inspire and express devotion, and in the impact that art can have in praising God.

To celebrate St Cecilia, I have chosen an easy-to-make Grazing Platter. Its colours and different ingredients inspire and uplift us, like good music and art. This is great for a dinner party or just if you feel like nibbling. You can use any ingredients you like or follow the list I suggest here.

Ingredients

½ sweet melon, cut into wedges
4 slices of Parma ham (or similar)
Mozzarella cheese and mature cheddar (or any other preferred cheese).
Fresh basil leaves
Black and green pitted olives
Assorted roasted nuts
Fresh cherries (if in season)
Cheese straws and/or ciabatta
Olive oil drizzle
Salt to taste

Preparation: 10 min Servings: 2

Preparation:

Wrap the Parma ham over the melon and place on a platter.
Scatter the other ingredients around the platter.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, if desired
Enjoy with some cheese straws and/or fresh ciabatta bread.
Enjoy with a prayer to St Cecilia!

Grazia Barletta is an author, book designer, and food photographer & stylist. She can be contacted at . Follow her blog at www.momentswithgrazia.com and connect with Grazia on Facebook: momentswithgrazia; Instagram: momentswithgrazia