Uova naturale
Everything you need to color Easter eggs is right in your kitchen pantry. Using natural dyes from spices, vegetables, fruits and coffee you can color your eggs turning them into soft muted colors that look like a Renaissance painting.
Select a natural dyeing agent* and place the recommended amount in a pot. Add 1 quart of water and 2 tablespoons white vinegar per pot. Bring everything to the boil, then lower the heat. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain dye into a bowl, and let cool a bit. With a slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the bowl of strained dye and allow the eggs to set 20 minutes to overnight until you reach the desired color intensity.
* 1/2 cup paprika - peach color
* 5 T very strong coffee or 3 T of instant coffee - tan to brown color
* 1 cup canned blueberries with syrup - blue color
* 2 t of turmeric - golden color
* skins from 12 medium sized onions - yellow to orange color
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| Uova di Pasqua
Chocolate eggs are very popular in Italy during Easter. Renowned chocolatiers like Slitti, Perugina and Caffarel create elaborately decorated chocolate eggs often filled with gianduia, a rich chocolate hazelnut filling (think Nutella˛).
These chocolate creations come in sizes that range from 10 grams (1/3 ounce ) to 8 kilos (nearly 18 pounds) with designs from whimsical to high fashion as seen by this chocolate egg designed by Armani. When I visited the Perugina Chocolate factory outside of Perugia in Umbria, I saw a chocolate Easter egg that was 3 feet tall!
Hollow Chocolate Easter Eggs for Italian children contain small toys while the adult versions have been known to crack open to gifts of jewelry and elaborate surprises. More innovative eggs from Italy - the Olive Oil Easter Egg! The unusual oil and chocolate match was recently presented at Vinitaly by a producer from the Marche who explained that dark chocolate and olive oil is a harmonious combination. I agree. CosituttiMarketPlace will be sampling and sourcing olive oil chocolates to include at our annual Fall tasting for all of you olive oil lovers who also like chocolate! |
