Easter Chocolate

I was wondering about the origins of Easter chocolate and came across an interesting post on the Accidental Hedonist. While I don't think many people assume that chocolate is somehow supposed to "represent" the resurrection of Christ, I do agree with Kate in that someone, somewhere along the lines thought it would be a great money-making opportunity to make bunnies and eggs -- symbols of the pagan festival in honor of the goddess Eostre -- into chocolate. There's an interesting article on About.com that explains the convergence of the pagan festival and the Catholic holiday, and how chocolate eventually (and indirectly) became associated with Easter. The article also supports Kate's suggestion that the Germans were most likely the originators of chocolate bunnies and eggs.

Note that one of the comments to Kate's post is made by Barbara Fisher, who astutely points out the sheer and utter deliciousness of Godiva Dark Chocolate Bunnies, and I must say, I completely agree with her! But for all of those who are anti-dark chocolate, fear not: Godiva also makes the bunnies in milk chocolate and white chocolate... yum....

And here's a secret: the bunnies often go on sale at Godiva stores the day after Easter. IF there are any left, that is! I usually stock up and give a few to my nieces and nephews, and whatever's leftover, I'll either nibble at or chop up and use for baking.

And for some devilishly good fun, check out this video on how to kill a chocolate bunny. They key word here is "chocolate," everyone. Leave the real bunnies alone.

Happy Easter! Happy Spring!