Chocolate Masterpiece
Drawing inspiration from the exquisite craftsmanship evident throughout Ashford Castle, Paula Stakelum, Global Director of Chocolate and Patisserie at Red Carnation Hotels, has once again created her annually-anticipated, hand-painted Easter egg for 2024.
Paula, widely known as Paula Pastry, explains that the Easter egg embodies the artistry that has been a hallmark of the castle since its inception in 1228. With meticulous detail, the egg serves as a symbolic representation of the craftsmanship woven into the very fabric of the castle.
The egg is crafted using Ashford Castle’s signature Valrhona ‘Legend’ 55% milk chocolate and filled with ‘Legacy’ 29% chocolate shards. Valrhona is used exclusively on the estate, as Ashford Castle believes it is the best chocolate in the world. The cocoa beans are sustainably sourced, aligning with Ashford Castle’s sustainability ethos.
The exterior of the egg mirrors the intricate grain of wood, echoing the hand-carved techniques employed centuries ago to fashion the wooden shutters that grace The Connaught Room, where Ashford Castle serves its afternoon tea.
Adding a touch of historical authenticity, every egg is adorned with a brass knob, a precise replica of the knobs that were intricately affixed to each shutter. The origin of these brass knobs can be traced back to 1852 when Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness acquired the castle and initiated a substantial restoration project. During this time, shutters were added, contributing to the castle’s decorative grandeur.
Priced at €75, the 2024 edition of Ashford Castle’s Easter eggs are available exclusively from Mrs Teas Boutique & Bakery on the Ashford Castle estate (in store only) from March 1st. Guests staying at Ashford Castle during Easter will receive this magnificent egg as a gift to take home.
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