Chocolatescape on a Stick I saw this idea originally on the Rosie O'Donnell show. We came up with our own variations on her craft. We decorate the outside of the eggs and let the recipient peel it to find the surprising Chocolatescape made from a multiple of colors of chocolate melting wafers. We find it easier to use the mini crock-pots when dealing with a variety of colors. Almond bark could be an alternative to the candy melts. Having the Chocolatescape on a Stick is an option, but we liked this variation as we didn't have chocolate melting in our hands! Parental supervision is recommended. Note: As in all recipes, results can vary depending on humidity, conditions, etc. Please try any recipe out before attempting in a group setting. This project is rated AVERAGE to do. What You Need Chocolate "candy melts" in various colors (Don't mix flavors!) (I use Wilton) Raw eggs (size small or the smallest you can purchase) Empty egg cartons (for each 12 eggs, you will need 2 empty cartons) Plate Lollipop sticks Mini crock-pots (borrow from friends) *or see tips* Power strip or multi-plug (to plug in multiple crock-pots--do not leave unattended!) Ice tea spoons

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• Ice pick or similar food-safe pointed item
• Chopstick that has a finish on it
• Mixing bowl
• Deep pan (to boil egg shells in)
• Water (for boiling)
• Timer
• Slotted spoon
• Cooling rack or strainer
• Kitchen towels
• Stove
• Refrigerator

First Day:

1. Pick up an egg, poke the bottom (largest end) with an ice pick.
2. Use your fingertips to pinch off little bits of the egg around the hole. Make the hole almost the size of a dime. (Note: Yes this seems large, but you have to get the chocolate back inside!)
3. Hold the egg over the mixing bowl, stick the chopstick up inside the egg and break the yolk. Shake the egg into the mixing bowl. Set egg shell on plate.
4. Repeat with remaining eggs.
5. Use the eggs in mixing bowl in a recipe or cook up a batch of scrambled eggs. (yum!)
6. Take egg shells over to the sink and rinse them out.
7. Fill each egg shell with warm water and place in pan.
8. Gently cover the eggs with warm water about an inch above the tops of the eggs.
9. Place pan on stove and bring to a boil. Boil 2 minutes. Note: This step was provided by our local County Extension Food Economist to eliminate salmonella.
10. Remove pan from heat.
11. Use slotted spoon to remove egg shells, one at a time, from water. Place egg shell in strainer or on cooling rack placed in sink. Carefully (they are hot!) tip the egg to drain the water out.
12. Repeat for all egg shells.
13. If sink is needed, place kitchen towels on countertop and place strainer or cooling rack on towels.
14. Be sure to wash thoroughly anything, including your hands, that may have come in contact with the raw eggs.
15. Let egg shells dry thoroughly (overnight).

    Note: Rosie O'Donnell's instructions indicated you could bake the eggs at 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes to dry them out. We have not tried this procedure, but it is an alternative to breaking up the project into two days.

1. Plug in crock-pots. Place a quantity of a single colored wafer in each crock-pot.
2. Place the eggs in egg cartons with the open end facing up.
3. Occasionally stir the wafers with the ice tea spoons until melted.
4. Using the ice tea spoons, spoon small amounts of the chocolate into each egg. Vary the amount of a color and the order of colors with the eggs so you will have different "Chocolatescapes". (Is that a word?)
5. Before the chocolate sets, be sure to stick in a lollipop stick.
6. As you finish a carton of eggs, place them in the refrigerator to set up.
7. Once the eggs are set up, you are ready to decorate them.
8. You will need for the eggs to dry once you decorate them. Use the ice pick to poke a hole in the parts of the egg carton that stick up (dividing the eggs). You can then place the stick through this hole to allow your decorative egg to dry.
9. Click here Easter Egg Decorating Ideas. Please note: Do not use any of the decorating ideas that suggest you dip an egg in dye!

Alternative Methods:

Use a double boiler on the stove. Fill water about 1/2 way in the bottom of the pan ( follow manufacturer's instructions, if available). Heat until water begins to boil. Turn heat down. Add one color or flavor of chocolate in top pan. Place on the bottom pan. Stir with spoon until melted. Follow directions above putting chocolate inside eggs. After all chocolate is used, remove top pan, wash and dry thoroughly then repeat instructions above for additional colors or flavors of chocolate.

A Microwave Oven can be used for melting chocolate. Using a glass or microwave safe bowl, heat the candy melts according to the manufacturer's instructions. I do not care for this method as well due to how many times the chocolate would have to be reheated. It would probably be okay if you're just wanting to add a bit of color to an egg to use up leftover chocolate.