Easter
Eggs
We found the perfect use for punch pieces in your Easter celebration! It
stems from a Latin tradition. Brightly died eggs remain a traditional Easter
element in many countries but they do not figure prominently into the
celebration of Pascua (Easter) - Mexico's most important religious holidays.
They do however, have a form of Easter eggs - Cascarones. These are a
popular feature of Carnaval (Mardi Gras) are used in many other Mexican
festivities including birthdays.
Cascarones are empty egg shells that have been washed out, painted on the
exterior, filled with confetti and closed again with a small square of
tissue paper pasted over the opening. Some people even put small toys and
candies in them - making them not unlike tiny pinatas. Enjoyed by children and adolescents as well as adults. In earlier versions of Cascarones - the
eggs were filled with perfumed colour water and sealed with a plug of wax.
Below you will find directions and illustrations on how to make these fun
little Easter extras. And don't worry, not only are eggshells and fine paper
pieces safe for your pets, they are also good for your lawn! (You will still
want to keep them away from children under 2 years - and you will want to
make sure they don't get mixed up with your BOILED eggs!)
Step one:
Hollow out your egg. Make a small hole in your egg, about the size of a
dime. Empty out contents (use it in your favourite recipe - or freeze it.
Eggs can be frozen for use in baking later). Make a pin sized hole in the
opposite end of the egg and carefully blow out remainder of contents. Set
aside and let dry for at least 24 hours. Do not put back in fridge!
Step two
Punch out mini punch pieces (or you may purchase them online - Triple
S Ranch has special packages of hearts, circles, suns and teddies in
Easter Colours available for purchase).
Step three
Colour your eggshells. This should be done carefully, to avoid breaking the
shells. Use water colours or food colours and paint it on with a wide washing
brush. Let dry. Your eggs should dry within a few hours. While you are
waiting cut/punch medium circles that match the colours of your eggs - use
xyron backing for ease of application. You may also use tissue squares in
the same colour (tissue will break more easily).
Step four
Fill your eggs 1/4 to 1/2 full with confetti/ punch
pieces. We recommend
1/4 full). You may include small candies or toys, at your discression. Put
your xyron backed circle or tissue square to cover dime sized hole -
matching colour with egg colour.
You are now ready to play with your eggs!
