Cuddura

Aren't these cute? The history behind this sicilian treat is something of a marvel as it traces beginnings back to ancient Greece. At first I thought they were made only during the Easter period but come to find out, the egg-topped pastries are no longer tied to a particular time of year. The following is a condensed translation of what I found here. Even if the site is entirely in italian, have a look at the several types of cuddure. Come to think of it, I've seen photos of this sort of baked good from another european country although I can't precisely say where (Spain?).

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The cuddura is a pastry from Sicily that long ago, was prepared for the festival of Easter. After refraining from the consumption of meat, eggs and cheese during the Lenten period, it is interesting to note how much of a role, or more importantly, how plentiful of a role, in which eggs played in the preparation of holiday sweets upon the arrival of Holy Week.

Nowadays, the cuddhura or coddura is no longer reserved for Pasqua and is widespread throughout the island. Made from flour, sugar, lard, and eggs, it usually takes the form of a wreath with an odd-numbered amount (never even) of hard-boiled eggs adorning the confection, each crossed with strips of dough. Other forms include a belltower 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. Still, the image that made me really light up is this illustration. No bunny rabbits here. No cute, cuddly baby chicks. Please do follow the link as it genuinely portrays the customs of Easter, or Paska, in the eyes of what I presume to be a young grecian artist!

Cuddura

This is a very basic recipe. Butter replaces the lard, and the inclusion of extra flavorings such as lemon zest and vanilla extract is something I've seen in other recipes although I've chosen the much plainer version. The yield here is 6 doves that measured around 8 by 4½ inches, so count on boiling at least 6 eggs, even if that's an even number!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 oz. (1 stick) sweet butter room temperature, cut into small pieces
2 large eggs
Hard-boiled eggs (medium size), colored if desired
1 egg, beaten

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Make a well in the center, add the butter and eggs and work everything together with your hands until a dough comes together. On a lightly floured surface, knead gently for a few minutse until smooth and pliable. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Divide the dough in 2 portions and roll out one half on a floured surface. Cut out desired shapes and place on a cookie sheet lined with baking parchment. Top each with a boiled egg, cross with two strips of dough, and brush with beaten egg. Repeat with the remaining half. Bake cookies until golden brown, about 15 minutes or so.

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Saved comment(s)

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Aloha Rowena,
Very nice site...love your coverage on Hawaii...please stop by and vist us anytime! www.kauaimenu.com ~ Me ke aloha pau ole "with best wishes without end" ~
Michael Huffman | Homepage | 04.10.07 - 7:59 pm

Happy Easter Rowena!
Your post just tops it as the most interesting food-related item I've learned this month! They're also quite beautiful!
Kathy | Homepage | 04.09.07 - 4:04 am

Hi! I recently found your blog and love reading all about life in Italy. I love your perspective on living in Italy from an island transplant. DH and I will be taking a tour this September that will take us to several of the "touristy" areas in Italy. This will be our first time and we are very excited.

Today's post brought back a memory for me that I hadn't thought about in decades. My maternal grandmother came to Hawaii from Portugal in the early 1900's. I remember, as a small child, the fabulous sweet bread she used to make with the eggs in the center. I remember how we kids used to think that it was such a strange thing to do. Only after I became a young adult did I realize how important and special it was that she was able to share a bit of culture with us. Thanks for bringing back a nice memory for me. You made my day!
Lettie | 04.04.07 - 9:30 pm

Back in time for Easter indeed. Looks like I have some catching up to do on your blog. Wonderful doves! I think I just might need to make these for our Easter celebration. Buona Pasqua and Pasquetta.
Pasticciera | Homepage | 04.04.07 - 2:35 pm

I've never seen anything quite like cuddura before. At first they reminded me of Easter's hot cross buns, but these take that to a whole new level.
alan | Homepage | 04.04.07 - 10:11 am

The cuddura looks cute and there is sure alot of different cute and pretty designs. Wishing you & your family (Maddie included) a wonder Easter and Good friday.
piccola | 04.04.07 - 10:02 am

That looks like it's easy enough for even me to try! (I'm not much of a cook.) And this really does look like a great project to do with kids, since it's a simple recipe and you can make a variety of shapes with it.
Natalie | Homepage | 04.03.07 - 3:29 pm

These are really cute! I'm wondering if the treat you were thinking of was from Portugal? The one where they put the eggs in bread for Easter? I could be wrong.
Kat | Homepage | 04.03.07 - 2:50 pm