Easter food

April Spring Table: The Spring Symphony of Easter Delicacies and Refreshing Cocktails

April ushers in the full bloom of spring and also brings the Easter festival filled with hope and joy. During this special occasion, delicious food is an essential part of the celebration. From traditional hot cross buns to tender and juicy roast lamb, paired with refreshing and palate-cleansing spring cocktails, a sumptuous spring feast on the tip of the tongue unfolds. Let’s explore the unique charm of Easter delicacies from different countries together and savor the wonderful taste where the festival blends with the season.

Hot Cross Buns: The Sweet Fusion of Tradition and Symbolism

Hot cross buns are a highly representative Easter delicacy and are widely loved in many Western countries such as the UK. Their simple appearance is full of meaning. The iconic cross on the surface is not only a decoration but also symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ. The buns exude a rich aroma of spices, a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as the sweet and sour taste of dried fruits. Taking a bite, the soft and fluffy bun wraps around the sweet flavor, as if one is savoring the vitality of spring and the blessings of the festival all at once.

Recipe: Dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add flour, sugar, salt, butter, eggs, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg powder, and stir to form a dough. Knead the dough until smooth, then add raisins or other dried fruits and continue to knead evenly. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. Divide it into small portions, roll them into balls, place them in a baking tray, and let them rise a second time. After the second rise, make a cross on the surface of the dough balls, squeeze on the batter made from flour and water, brush with egg wash, and put them into a preheated oven. Bake at 180°C for 20 – 25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown.

Roast Lamb: The Tender and Delicious Spring Gift

Roast lamb is also a regular on the Easter table. Especially in countries like Greece, lamb symbolizes abundance and happiness. Greek roast lamb is renowned for its tenderness, juiciness, and unique flavor. Select fresh lamb legs or lamb chops and marinate them with seasonings such as olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary, allowing the lamb to fully absorb the aroma of the seasonings. Slowly grill it over charcoal fire, with the oil sizzling and the aroma wafting all around. The outer skin is roasted until golden and crispy, while the inside is tender and juicy. Biting into it, the flavor of the meat and the spices blend perfectly, and every bite is a tribute to the beauty of spring.

Recipe: Wash the lamb legs or lamb chops and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Make several incisions on the surface of the lamb to help it absorb the flavor better. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and black pepper evenly to make the marinade, and spread it on the lamb. Marinate for 2 – 3 hours. Put the marinated lamb into the oven and bake at 200°C for 1 – 1.5 hours. Turn the lamb over and brush with the marinade during the baking process until the lamb is cooked through and the surface is golden brown.

Refreshing Spring Cocktails: The Wonderful Accent to Spring Taste Buds

To pair with these delicacies, a refreshing spring cocktail is a must. For example, the “Spring Blossom” cocktail uses gin as the base spirit, adding fresh lemon juice, elderflower syrup, and soda water, and then garnishing it with a slice of lemon and a few edible flowers. The refreshing taste of gin, the sweet and sour flavor of lemon juice, the sweet aroma of elderflower syrup, and the effervescence of soda water blend perfectly. Taking a sip, it is refreshing and pleasant, as if one is drinking in the fragrance of spring flowers and fruits. It adds a touch of unique spring romance to the Easter delicacies.

Recipe: Add ice cubes, 45ml of gin, 15ml of lemon juice, and 10ml of elderflower syrup to a shaker. Shake well and pour into a highball glass. Top up with soda water until it is about 80% full, stir evenly, and finally decorate with a lemon slice and edible flowers.

This April during Easter, why not try making these delicacies and cocktails? Let your home table be filled with the breath of spring and the joy of the festival, and share these wonderful spring moments with your family and friends.