Easter is a weird holiday.

Namely because it’s not really a holiday, it’s more of an observance… and it’s never on the same day of the year. Both of which I’m sure led to the invention of the Easter bunny because nothing says resurrection like a bunny? However, it doesn’t end with the appearance of the rabbit but rather in the goodies he brings, why eggs of of course! (But where does a rabbit find eggs?)

I’m glad someone decided candy was a far better accessory to pastel baskets than hard boiled dairy products…

So after Cara and I had our Easter candy binge I wanted to reminisce on my favorites and hear some of yours.

Here’s my list:

3. Peeps

By far the worst of my favorites as far as health is concerned (it’s all candy, can I even say that) Peeps are the called the most popular non-chocolate Easter confection of all time.  It’s really the glory of yellow dye #5 and sugar crystals that set Peeps above your normal, run of the mill jet-puffed corn syrup marshmallows, add limited availability and you’ve got yourself a winner!  I prefer Peeps eaten plain but apparently there are other… Methods?

2. Cadbury Creame Eggs.

Original introduced in Britain in 1923 the Cadbury creame egg became an instant hit, even British royalty were into the wonderful mix of fondant and milk chocolate.  The eggs didn’t take off in America until Hershey’s famous clucking bunny ads in the early 80’s.  Since this YouTube commenter puts it in the simplest terms, I’ll let him speak on my behalf:

“Thank you Jesus for the Cadbury Bunny and the miracle of chocolate eggs.”   – Youngdean007

Also of note is Cadbury’s Purple Goes Green initiative that is intended to turn them into a greener company by “shrinking it’s global footprint.”  Not bad for a company that made its name in chocolate eggs.

1. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs

This is the gold standard, the best. Ironically these are not much different than the regular Peanut Butter Cups, which perhaps is testament to what a great candy this is any other time of the year.  The eggs kick it up a notch (thanks Emeril) by changing the chocolate to peanut butter ratio just a bit, giving us a wonderful Easter treat that is always the first to disappear from any respectable child’s Easter basket, including my own.  I’ll also link to this handy calorie counter here, so you can plan your Post-Easter activities in accordance with your fondness for the number one Easter candy, IMHO of course.

So what are your favorites?

This is what dreams are made of, that is dreams that are spicy and happen around valentines day.

To celebrate “that day” this year the babe and I decided to hit up a new restaurant; this one came with glowing reviews. We’re both suckers for Vietnamese and in lieu of the occasion thought we’d enjoy a bit of a drive (it’s next to Kayaks Coffee on McCausland) from the count(r)y.

Simply put it was worth the drive.  Bobo Noodle House is a fun little place that seems much more at home in NYC than St. Louis.  Posh and small, like all great things, it only seats about 25 people so be sure to plan accordingly. Walking in the door is a bit confusing as you order at the front and then take a seat, but the staff was extremely helpful (they also substituted tofu in a dish for Cara) and there was a five minute wait, so it gave us a chance to peruse the menu a bit more. I had the butternut squash and beef pho (Vietnamese for soup) while Cara enjoyed a cold sesame noodle number , both were fantastic.

My dish was a bit spicy (read: hot) but I think some of that could be attributed to the fact that my first spoonful was fresh from the kitchen right behind our table and spice and a freshly braised mouth are not great bed fellows.  The runaway hit of the night were the spring rolls, which were exceptionally crunchy without being greasy or soggy and accompanied with a great soy lime dipping sauce.

Next time you’re near the corner of Wash U and Forest Park give Bobo Noodle House a shot, you won’t be let down.