Easter Eggs

Oh no.....I haven't been blogging for over a week, and I've got so many back dated post to put on. First is the Easter Egg that I've made for Easter. It was quite a late decision from me and my boyfriend. Both of us were in the kitchen until late at night...but the result was pretty satisfying.

Easter have many customs and legends, some of which are of pagan origin and some of which are of Christian believes. Traditions associated with Easter includes Easter rabbit and Easter egg.

The ancient Saxons celebrated the return of spring with a festival, Eastre. The name comes from the word "Ostra" and "Ostern" or "Eastre", both Goddesses of mytholoy signifying spring and fertility. When the Christian missionaries encountered these tribes, they attempted to convert them to Christianity. Coincidentally, the pagan festival of Eastre occured at the same time as the Christian observance of Resurrection of Christ, this celebration is slowly altered. The name is eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter.

Easter is the time for the Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is celebrated with greatest joy. Jesus Christ was crucified on Good Friday, where his body was then taken buried in a cave. The tomb was guarded with an enormous stone at the entrance, but was missing on the following Sunday. Jesus himself was then seen that day, and for days afterwards by many people.

Easter Bunny originates from the pagan festival. The earthly symbol of the goddess Eastre is the rabbit. The Easter egg is also also a symbol of Easter, symbolising rebirth and fertility.

Homemade Chocolate Easter Eggs
Ingredients:
150g milk chocolate
approximately 20 hazelnuts

Methods:
1. Melt the milk chocolate using a double boiler, or like me, you can use a microwave. Heat the chocolate in the microwave for 45s and stir. If it's not melted, put the chocolate back into the microwave for 10s. Repeat this process until the chocolate is fully melted. Becareful not to overheat the chocolate as it gets burnt very easily.
2. Cool the chocolate mixture slightly.
3. Make one half of the Easter egg first, one at a time. Spoon the chocolate mixture into the mould until nearly full. Make sure that the sides are properly coated.
4. Drop in a hazelnut into the middle of the chocolate mould. Repeat for another half an egg.
5. When half of the chocolate mixture is used up, freeze the mould of eggs for about 10mins.
6. Remove the chocolate from its mould. It should be very easily removed when set, else freeze it for another few minutes.
7. Now, make the other half of the eggs. Spoon the chocolate mixture into the mould until nearly full. Make sure the sides are fully coated.
8. Place one of the readied egg on the chocolate mould. Press the readied egg so that some of the chocolate mixture in the mould would seal the two halves together.
9. Repeat this for all the eggs.
10. When ready, wrap each eggs in thin foil.