Confetti head: An Easter tradition

In Texas, we have an Easter tradition of making Cascarones.

First off, it's pronounced kas-ka-ron-nes.

What are these gems? They're hollowed out eggshells filled with confetti and designed to be cracked on someone else's head.

This is the moment when you look puzzled, much like I do when people mention pork roll. But trust me -- this is one tradition you'll want to get in on.

The 10-second history: Historians traced their roots to China, where eggshells were filled with perfume power and often given as gifts. Marco Polo then brought them from Asia to Europe. Carlotta, wife of Emperor Maximilian, took them from Europe to Mexico during her husband's rule of Mexico. When in Mexico, the perfume power was replaced with confetti. Then in the 1970s, South Texans revived the tradition, helping it spread through the Southwest.

How do I make these wonderful treats? I'm glad you asked.

What your need: dye color tabs, vinegar, paper towels, spoon, confetti and eggs (*Note: My family will save eggshells all year long to have dozens of Cascarones for Easter. But you can make as many or as few as you want.),

STEP 1: Drain eggs by cutting a small hole in one end of the egg with a kitchen knife. WASH EGG SHELL VERY WELL WITH DISH SOAP/ HANDLE WITH CARE. (TIP: My BFF suggests poking a pin-sized hole at the top end of the egg, and blow the yoak and whites out the larger opening.)

STEP 2: Dye the empty, dry eggshells. You can use the same dye you would for hard-boiled eggs. Just make sure you're gentle with the eggshells. (TIP: Use two or three dye tablets instead of one for more vibrant colors.)

STEP 3: Take your DRY dyed eggshells and get them ready to be stuffed with confetti. The best way is to dump the confetti in a bowl and fill each egg with a spoon or your fingers.

STEP 4 (OPTIONAL): There is some debate about this step. Some, like me, skip this step; others swear by it. Simply take a small piece of tissue paper and glue it to the egg to cover the hole. Let it dry completely.

TIP: Smash the egg in your hand then rub it into the other person's hair. This will optimize confetti coverage.

Now, if I can only get y'all to barbecue on Easter; that would be awesome.

On the iPod: Damien Rice, "O"