Traditional Food to Enjoy This Easter

Easter is approaching, which means all manner of good things is on the way. The weather’s improving, the days are getting lighter and the double Bank Holiday means an extended weekend spending more quality time with our loved ones.

And few things bring the family closer together than a shared enjoyment of food. It’s a chance for us all to sit around the table, catch up and reminisce about Easters gone by. And if the weather is kind, you might even be able to enjoy an al fresco meal!

But what should you be eating at Easter? Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer and everyone’s tastes will be different, but here are five traditional staples that you might want to tuck into this year.

Easter eggs

Would it really be Easter without some chocolate eggs to feast ourselves on? First created in the 19th century, they’ve become a staple of this holiday – to the point where around 80 million are sold in the UK every year. And if you’ve got little ones, why not set up an Easter egg hunt to really make them feel like they’ve earned their sweet treats? Just remember to make a list of where you’ve hidden them, or you could be in for a long day!

Lamb

If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, perhaps a classic savoury dish is more your idea of food heaven. Roast lamb has traditionally been associated with Easter in reference to Jesus being the sacrificial lamb of God. For a real family favourite, why not cook your lamb in the same non-stick pan as your hasselback potatoes – seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and garlic – to hold in all the juices.

Hot cross buns

Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, these delicious buns feature a cross on the top as a symbol of the crucifixion. There are plenty of nice and easy hot cross bun recipes out there, so why not get the kids involved in helping you cook up a storm in the kitchen?

Eggs

So far we’ve covered the main meal, sweet treats, and tasty snacks, but what about breakfast? Eggs have long been at the heart of the Easter holiday, thanks to the tradition of hand-painted eggs that dates back centuries. Why not boil yours, take the top off, and dip some buttery toast in the runny yolk. An Easter classic!

Simnel cake

Made with dried fruit, orange zest, ground almonds, and plenty of butter, sugar, and marzipan, a simnel cake is a welcome addition to any Easter menu. The history of this cake is a little blurred, although it is often associated with Mother’s Day, which usually falls close to Easter. Most simnel cakes are decorated with 11 marzipan balls – one for each of Jesus’ disciples, without the traitorous Judas.