EASTER RECIPES: TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES AND CONTEMPORARY TWISTS

Easter is a lovely time to come together with loved ones and, of course, enjoy delicious food! Whether you’re hosting a laid-back brunch or a special dinner, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, we’ve put together a mix of traditional and modern Easter recipes that are bound to delight your taste buds and wow your guests. Let’s get cooking!

1. Biscoff Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients for the dough:

• 4 cups plain flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup smooth Biscoff spread
• 1/2 cup plain flour mixed into a paste with water
• 1/4 cup warmed honey or golden syrup

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spice.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, kneading until a soft dough begins to take shape.
4. (Optional) Gently fold in the raisins or dried fruit, then cover and allow the dough to rest in a warm spot for roughly an hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Once risen, divide the dough into small portions, flatten each slightly, and place 1 teaspoon of Biscoff spread into the centre.
6. Seal the edges well and roll gently to create filled buns.
7. Arrange buns on a baking tray, leaving small gaps between them to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Create crossing patterns using the flour paste, then bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Brush with warm honey or golden syrup for a glossy finish

2. Zesty Lemon Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 250g digestive biscuits, crushed
• 125g butter, melted
• 500g cream cheese
• 1 cup icing sugar
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Combine the crushed biscuits and melted butter, then press firmly into the base of a springform pan.
2. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, icing sugar, lemon zest, and juice until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
4. Pour the mixture over the biscuit base and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Serve chilled with a garnish of lemon slices for a refreshing touch.

3. Chocolate Egg Nests

Ingredients:

• 200g chocolate (milk or dark)
• 100g shredded coconut
• 50g mini chocolate eggs

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
2. Stir in the shredded coconut until fully combined.
3. Spoon the mixture onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, shaping small nests.
4. Press a few mini chocolate eggs into each nest.
5. Refrigerate until set and enjoy these charming treats!

4. Garlic Crumble Deviled Eggs**

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 40g butter
• 70g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs, made from day-old bread
• 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 12 hard-boiled eggs
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp sour cream
• A few drops of your favorite hot sauce (adjust to spice preference)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano

Instructions:

1. In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until they turn lightly golden and crisp.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and allow to cool completely.
5. Carefully peel the hard-boiled eggs and slice a small section off the tops for easier filling.
6. Gently scoop the egg yolks into a mixing bowl and mash them thoroughly. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and a few drops of hot sauce. Mix until smooth. Season with salt as needed.
7. Transfer the yolk mixture to a piping bag fitted with a fluted nozzle and neatly pipe it back into the hollowed eggs.
8. Once the crumb mixture has cooled, stir in the chopped fresh oregano. Sprinkle the flavorful crumbs generously around the edges of the filled eggs just before serving.

5. Festive Lamb Roast

Ingredients:

• 1.5kg leg of lamb
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable stock

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. Rub the lamb with minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper to infuse it with flavour.
3. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and pour vegetable stock around it to keep it moist during cooking.
4. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 60°C for medium-rare doneness. Adjust cooking time as needed for your preferred level of doneness.
5. Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

This Easter, whether you’re enjoying timeless classics like hot cross buns or embracing something new such as zesty cheesecake or deviled eggs, these recipes are sure to bring joy to your table. Gather your loved ones, share delicious meals, and create cherished memories together. Happy Easter cooking!