CATERINE are a particular kind of biscuits typical of Ravenna, in the shape of a doll, a hen or cockerel, covered in chocolate and finished with coloured sugar decorations.
The origin of these biscuits is uncertain, but they are prepared every year on the day of Saint Catherine (November 25th) and, according to the tradition, they are given as a present to children.
The hen represents an omen of fertility for young girls; the doll represents Saint Catherine, while the cockerel, usually given to young boys, represents the announcement of the new day, thus of the return and the change.
CATERINE RECIPE
Ingredients for 6 people
- 500 grams of flour;
- 100 grams of melted butter;
- 200 grams of sugar;
- 2 eggs;
- 1 sachet of yeast;
- grated lemon zest;
- sugar sprinkles.
Directions
Mix sugar and eggs, add the melted butter and the lemon zest. Pour the flour and the yeast and stir the mixture until it is smooth and consistent.
Cover the dough with a cloth and leave it to rest in the fridge for about 20 minutes. In the meantime preheat the oven to 180°C.
Roll the dough with a rolling pin as thin as 1 centimetre. Cut it with cookie cutters or with a knife and shape it as you want.
Put your biscuits on a baking tray covered with baking paper and decorate them with icing, nib sugar, sprinkles or just sugar.
Put them in the oven and cook them for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool.
