Recipes Dream: LA MONA DE PASQUA

LENT IS OVER! And we foodies celebrate it!!! Each country, each region has its own particular way and here in Catalonia and Valencia, every Monday of Easter, goodfathers give to their godsons this special chocolate compositions. Cake shops show all kind of Monas (that's how they are called) and after a good lunch families eat them! Every single piece is eateable, except the little dolls and chicks!

Originally, the tradition started as a symbol of the beggining of spring and abundance. The first Monas were made of a spongy cake with chocolate, egg and llonganissa (like a dry chorizo but not as red and spicy). The word Mona comes from the Arab word Munna which means "food you get to your mouth". The first Monas looked more like this:

But nowadays in Catalonia you can see all kind of funny compositions. However, Valencia keeps the old design which always shows one egg.

Traditionally, the Godfather would give the Mona to the godson after the Sunday Mass and then on Monday the whole family and friends would eat it at home, preceded by some grilled rabbit or paella and lots of wine.

Hereunder you will see some pictures I took in Barcelona in different cake shops... and these ones are not the most spectacular!