Joan D’Agostino keeps Old World traditions alive for a new generation when she bakes in her Leawood kitchen. A mother of four, D’Agostino is passing along her Italian heritage to her four grandchildren, including 20-month-old twins Angelina and Luca Casanova of Leawood.

A native Kansas Citian, D’Agostino grew up with the tradition of helping prepare an annual St. Joseph’s table on March 19. This practice started in the Middle Ages in Sicily as part of a large feast to honor patron St. Joseph or San Giuseppe, whom Italians believe protected the people from starvation during a severe drought.