The tradition of the "Cuddura cu l'ova"

Buona Pasqua! history behind the cuddura
Right about now, every child in Italy probably has a room full of chocolate eggs that were giving to them as an Easter gift. Wrapped in a colorful presentation, usually with their favorite cartoon character, and filled with a little surprise. The temptation to join this ritual it overwhelming as we know they are considered expected. But, this year we wanted to come back to what is becoming the lost tradition of the Cuddura.

The Cuddura can be traced back to Ancient Greece, when the Greeks colonized Sicily over 2500 years ago. The Greeks would offer something similar to their Gods calling it a Coulloura. Christianity then spread with time through Sicily and this offering was then adapted into the Easter celebrations, becoming a gift during the festival of Easter. The cuddura has an odd-numbered amount of hard-boiled eggs decorating the confection, each crossed with strips of dough. Forms include a bell tower to ring the bells of Christ Risen, a basket to wish for abundance, a chicken (or dove) for boys, and a doll for girls. For engaged couples, a young woman presents her betrothed with a cuddura in the shape of a heart and in turn, he returns the favor with one in the shape of a little ring.

The memories that awakened when each child opened their wrapped Cuddura were priceless... I heard about stories from long ago, when great-grandmothers made these Cuddure after making the bread for Easter, in their wood ovens. Need I mention that these were the days before colored sprinkles? The Cuddura was a gift for all ages and one I hope to continue in my family.





Elisa enjoying her bambola, little doll...

Mario and his Cuddura...

Cuddure500g flour
150g sugar
100g butter

10g ammoniaca (2 teaspoons baking powder)
150ml of milk at room temperature
skin of one orange
2 eggs
8 hard boiled egg
Sprinkles

In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, butter, milk, orange, and fresh eggs.

Mix well and then add the ammoniaca. Fold into a dough, then on a lightly floured surface, knead gently for a few minutes until pliable. Roll dough till about 1cm thick, cut out forms, and place on a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment. Place a hard boiled egg on each form, cross with two strips of dough, and brush with beaten egg. Finally, decorate with sprinkles and bake in the oven at 200° per 20-25 minutes.