The best foods for Easter celebrate the time of year, which means spring greens, succulent lamb, chicken, and, more so than at any other time of year, eggs.
There’s something for everyone, in fact – for those with a sweet tooth there are the classic hot cross buns and enormous celebration cakes, and for those who prefer the flavours of the big meal, there are big, beautiful lamb roasts or centrepiece-worthy seasonal veg.
What you really get with Easter that you don’t with Christmas, however, is the opportunity to be calm and uncomplicated, and to eat lighter, more colourful meals that are in keeping with the blossoming spring. The best foods for Easter celebrate the time of year, as well as the occasion itself, which means spring greens, succulent lamb, poached chicken, and, more so than at any other time of year, eggs.
It’s a little-known fact that eggs are, in fact, seasonal. Spring is the time when hens naturally produce their best eggs, and our farming industry simulates it as closely as possible all year round. However, at this time of year, eggs are as nutrient-rich and natural as they’ll ever be, so it’s the perfect time to celebrate the wondrous little things by whipping up a few quick and beautiful dishes – and even take part in the classic tradition of painting them.
Painting eggs is a really fun family activity for Easter. You’ll laugh watching each other struggle to blow the eggs from their shells, and smile watching everybody get creative with the paints. If they’re treated with care, they can be kept forever – as long as the insides have been removed!
How to paint eggs
With a needle, or drawing pin, gently pierce the top and bottom of your egg. Pierce the bottom end a few times to make it easier. If you’re using a needle, poke it around inside and you’ll pierce the yolk, which will make the blowing part a bit easier. Get yourself a wide bowl, and with the egg in both hands, make a tight seal with your mouth around the top of the egg and blow. It can be pretty difficult, but keep at it – it’s worth it in the end. Run under cold water once empty, dry carefully, and then decorate with paints, crayons, or marker pens. Cut up the cups from egg boxes to make perfect little stands for while you’re decorating.
Using your eggs
You’ll now find yourself with a big bowlful of raw beaten eggs to use up, which are perfect for whipping up a whole load of lovely dishes. You can make frittatas, silky scrambled eggs, quiches, eggy bread (or, better, crumpets), and, of course, beautiful omelettes.
Have a browse through all our egg recipes for inspiration!