How To Best Bite The Bunny

Each spring, we struggle with the finer points of Easter etiquette — such as, what’s the proper way to eat a chocolate bunny?

Ears first, according to three out of four children ages 6 to 11 polled by the National Confectioners Association. Another 13 percent start with the feet, while a troubling 10 percent would bite the bunny’s tail first.

Kids also had some strong opinions when it comes to jelly bean flavors, with 20 percent preferring cherry, followed by strawberry, 12 percent; grape, 10 percent; lime, 7 percent, and blueberry, 6 percent.

So, what’s the proper way to eat a jelly bean?

Candies in the wind

The Peeps people, meanwhile, have been busy on the Internet asking Americans which British personalities most resemble their marshmallow bunnies and chicks. (No, we have no idea why.)

The winner was the late comedian Benny Hill, at 20 percent, with Sir Elton John placing a strong second at 14 percent and Sarah Ferguson finishing third with 9 percent.

Calling all eggheads

Do you do something a little different when it comes to Easter eggs — like, perhaps, hiding them in the furniture? (No, Uncle Dobie, don’t sit there!)

The PAAS egg coloring kit folks are looking for colorful stories in their “What Makes Your Family’s Easter Tradition Eggstra Special?” contest. To enter, write an essay of 100 words or less, photos if you like (you won’t get them back) and send along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: 2000 PAAS Egg Decorating Contest, 411 Park Street, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.

Entries must be received by May 6. The grand prize winner gets $250, while 10 honorable mentions each receive $25. (Like the little chicks who come out of those eggs would say: “Cheep, cheep, cheep!”)

Pasta la vista

In this season of renewal and rebirth, it’s time for some fresh energy in the IN Food section. After more than five years as food editor, yours truly is moving on to other duties at this newspaper.

Fortunately, over these past few weeks, we’ve been able to bring you the wisdom of such teachers as master chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt, alternative medicine guru Dr. Andrew Weil and the subject of today’s cover story, Mary Lee Abba-Gaston. While very different from each other, they have similar philosophies: Consider cooking as contemplation, not a chore. Eat consciously, and put only the best into your body. Above all, share your bounty with others.

If even a few of you take those things to heart, the past five years will have been well worth it.