Newsletter 31 March 2024
Sweet Traditions: The Joy of Chocolate and Easter Eggs
Greetings, dear friend!
As the spring embraces us and the world around us bursts into bloom, I hope this message finds you basking in Easter’s joy and renewal. Whether surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, or embarking on an egg hunt adventure, I wish for your Easter break to be a tapestry of cherished moments and sweet delights.
Let’s talk about the chocolate today. The giving and eating of chocolate at Easter have become ingrained in the cultural celebrations of the holiday in many countries worldwide. The history of chocolate can be traced back over 3,500 years, and humans have always looked for new ways to transform it. The bitter cacao beans that served as currency to the Aztecs became an exotic delicacy on the European royal courts, and soon Cadbury invented the first chocolate bars. However, chocolate probably reached its most significant achievement in the form of the Easter egg.
For some time now, Parisian chocolatiers have been competing to see who can invent the most beautiful and extraordinary chocolate egg.
Our local chocolatier, a young man who arrived in our town twenty years ago and has since become a worldwide celebrity, goes to great lengths to win. But in my this year review of the most beautiful eggs of the year, I can only give him one star. Sorry, Patrick, and too bad for you! Anyway, you've become so pretentious that you don't even say hello to me anymore. Instead of the previous "Hi Freddy, mate! How's life?", sometimes I don't even get a smile now. Who do you think you are? I'm famous too - my latest book is a huge success: even Mum bought one of the two copies sold! And yet, I still wave to everyone in the neighbourhood, especially those who offer me treats.
Trolling around Parisian chocolatiers, I've selected four Easter egg creations that I like, but it is up to you to decide who takes the prize - please make your choice and let me know:
Looking at the chocolate recipes, I found some truly unique and surprising ones that incorporate this beloved ingredient in ways you might not expect. Here's a glimpse into the creativity of chefs and food enthusiasts who dare to pair chocolate with unconventional counterparts: from a "Smoky Espresso Steak" that combines the bold flavours of espresso and cocoa to a "Chocolate Molasses Pork Roast" offering a rich, tantalising hint of chocolate in a savoury context, there's even a "Mozzarella Strawberry Salad with Chocolate Vinaigrette," where chocolate balsamic vinegar dressing creates an unexpectedly delightful combination. Even more surprising is the Chocolate and Onions tart. It seems to make a complex flavour profile that's most harmonious. I wonder why there isn’t a tuna-chocolate tart? Mum, please create one for us and forget to add the chocolate!
Chocolate and Celebrities: If you like chocolate, you are not alone. Roald Dahl, the renowned author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, had a real-life passion for chocolate that rivalled of his famous character, Willy Wonka. Dahl was known to be an avid chocolate connoisseur, dedicating time to taste-test chocolates from various manufacturers. He even wrote detailed notes about what makes good chocolate, showcasing his love for it.
Julia Roberts' children thought their mom needed a chocolate-making machine at home, highlighting the actress's well-known love for chocolate.
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer once mentioned having a refrigerator dedicated solely to chocolate in her London home. Indigestion guaranteed, Claudia!
Italian actress Sophia Loren once shared a unique take on chocolate by introducing chocolate pasta as part of her diet.
There's so much more that could be said about chocolate, but I think I've bored you enough for today. So, dear friend, may your Easter be filled with the happiness of spring, the joy of renewed hope, and the delightful indulgence of chocolate.
Happy Easter!
Until our next edition, keep the chocolate close.
Your loving writer, Freddy
That was very interesting as always Freddy and I loved all of the novelty chocolate figures. Good for you snubbing that Patrick fellow he sounds a bit full of himself.❤️
It looks fantastic 😋 Happy Easter 🐰🐣