Did you know that the custom of the Easter egg can be traced as far back as to the early Christians of Mesopotamia, around 400 AD.
From there it spread into Eastern Europe and Siberia through the Orthodox Churches, and later into Europe through the Catholic and Protestant Churches. Later, the Easter egg tradition also merged into the celebration of the end of the privations of Lent in the West, symbolising the beginning of new life and rebirth.
However, whenever we think of Easter eggs, apart from the religious significance, they make a beautiful seasonal display and luxurious gifts. I’ve come up with a list of the most coveted and luxurious Easter eggs one could find, created by the expert hands of artisans and some of the world’s most talented chocolatiers.
Fabergé egg is the most expensive egg in the world and is not made of chocolate, but it is a jewel coveted by collectors around the world. Russia’s royal family Romanov maintained a standing order with Peter Carl Fabergé to create jeweled Easter eggs. The entire collection is composed of 54 egg jewels, each unique and special in its own way. They are made of precious metals and gemstones and are very rare and highly collectible items, with one such egg fetching near £30 million at an auction. The collection is currently on display at Victoria and Albert Museum which runs until 8 May.
Another Fabergé experience worth trying is the four-course Fabergé menu in the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant , inclusive of a hand-crafted chocolate Fabergé egg dessert. The experience is available from 11-18 April.
Another one of my favourite chocolatiers is Marchesi. Marchesi’s Easter eggs are considered to be the most beautiful and also most expensive, with an impressive price tag of £1200 for a 2kg egg. Made from the highest quality ingredients and from the most revered corners of the cocoa-producing world, embellished with fine hand-made decorations this egg is impressive.
Hand-painted Fortnum&Mason’s eggs are also on my list. When you don’t know whether to shove something in your mouth or display it on your mantelpiece, you know it’s going to be good. That’s why an early Easter lead-up purchase of this beautiful egg is advised, giving you several weeks of shelf time to show off the intricate chick, rooster or rabbit design in all its glory before cracking it open.
Last but not least, I choose Nicolas Rouzaud , a pastry chef at The Connaught Hotel. He created a pretty pink chocolate Easter egg topped with two chocolate Connaughty hounds. Crafted from 70% dark chocolate, the lining of the Easter egg walls are filled with praline hazelnut and milk chocolate for an egg-citing surprise. There’s only a limited number of these doggy style eggs so hurry and pre-order yours now.
