This month I have enlisted some support from younger members of the clan and we have delved into the chocolatier’s realm to make our very own Easter egg. This actually couldn’t be easier and kept them occupied for half-an-hour and hopefully behaving for longer if they want to taste any of on Easter Day.
It is thought that eggs symbolise the rebirth of Jesus in the Christian faith. Originally however it is suggested that Easter was a Pagan celebration of Springtime and the Saxon Goddess of dawn ‘Eostre.’ Dawn representing the rebirth of a new day and of Springtime. The early Christian church adapted many Pagan festivals. But rather than painted hard boiled eggs, which might be healthier, Chocolate eggs in the UK were created by J.S. Fry & Sons in 1873 and Cadbury’s soon after in 1875. Originally made in France and Germany the British were quick to follow and the market now attracts £220 Million a year.
This link takes you to Cadbury’s world Factsheet on Easter Eggs.
To make you own Easter egg you will need to have bought a mould, 400g chocolate of your choosing and white chocolate for decoration.
Simply melt, in this case the milk chocolate, in a glass bowl over boiling water and separately the white chocolate.
Create a design in white chocolate first (food colouring can be added if desired)using a fine paintbrush then place in the freezer for a few minutes to set.
Next pour in some warm milk chocolate and spread with the back of a spoon. Then set the mould open-side down on baking parchment and place in the fridge for ten minutes. Placing open side down helps to build up the rim of the egg and strengthens it ready for joining the two halves. Repeat this process 2-3 times more to build up thickness and then leave in the fridge for 3 hours to fully harden.
Next peel off the mould.
Place the eggs momentarily open side down onto a clean, warmed oven tray to melt the edges and get ready to fill one half is desired with sweets, then join the two halves and there you have it, your own homemade Easter Egg, wrap in foil to keep fresh.
Now – wait until Easter and dive in !
May we wish you a very Happy Easter
