Easter
For many of us, the first sign of Easter is seeing that first glimmering Easter egg on the supermarket shelf, soon followed by hot cross buns, simnel or colomba cake, and, of course, lamb. It’s a magical time of year, and not just because the Easter bunny will be paying a visit – it’s a time to indulge in our favourite traditions at the dinner table and get the family together. From the headliners such as roast lamb and minted new potatoes, to the more unconventional hot cross bun sticky toffee pudding, there’s plenty to choose from. If you’re keen for some fresh ideas, tips and tricks for the classics, and a reminder of the history of all this Easter-themed eating, you’re in the right place.
Certainly, the star of the show at Easter is lamb, a food that represents Jesus, ‘the lamb of God’, and his sacrifice. The tradition of eating lamb to celebrate Easter dates back to early Jewish Passover rituals which were observed before the birth of Christianity. A symbol of spring and rebirth even for non-religious people, roast lamb has come to be associated with this time of year since the Victorian period.
In Medieval Britain, lamb was roasted on a spit, seasoned with rosemary or thyme, and often served with a honey glaze. It was usually accompanied by ‘pottage’, a vegetable stew, and usually the whole lamb was used for feasting as a household. Click here to have a browse through our delicious selection of lamb on offer and other Easter favourites. Our traditional Shoulder of Lamb pairs excellently with herby new potatoes tossed in mint and butter, and our Lamb Basil Noisette Roll’s flavours of garlic and rosemary would go well with a lemon and herb couscous or creamy polenta.
Just over the Chanel the French have a traditional Easter dinner of leg of lamb with beans, which is particularly popular in the southwest of the country. This recipe for braised lamb with beans, carrots, and mint, is a one-pot wonder, easy to cook, and less washing up too!
If you’re a fan of Greek food, why not try their take on roasted lamb, often seasoned with oregano, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. Our Leg of Lamb is perfect for this recipe for a Greek “lazy roast” which requires minimum effort but provides maximum flavour.
The Italians prefer their lamb grilled and in cutlets, a dish called ‘Abbacchio alla scottadito’, translating to lamb so hot it ‘burns your fingers’. Our Lamb Chops would be ideal for this dish; just grill or pan-fry at a high heat and serve immediately. Marinating the chops in a mixture of herbs and spices will provide even more flavour!
We know that Easter is a time for chocoholics and dessert-lovers to look forward to, and there are plenty of exciting ideas to jazz up the classics. This year, the range of hot cross bun flavours available in supermarkets has reached an all-time high! From Cream Egg and Millionaire’s Shortbread to Lemon Curd and Blueberry, there’s something for absolutely everyone. Originating in the Pagan times, the crosses on the buns are said to symbolise the four phases of the moon or the four seasons, celebrating a transition to spring. Although delicious by themselves, you can upgrade the hot cross bun experience by using them for a sticky toffee pudding or bread and butter pudding mash-up.
Of course, we can’t forget about Easter Eggs, and our fantastic range can be viewed on our website here. If you haven’t heard of the Dubai chocolate trend which is taking the internet by storm, you’re severely missing out! This Melt Egg which is available on our website is inspired by the craze, combining pistachio flavours with the crunch of Kataifi – a truly indulgent egg for those who enjoy a luxurious treat on Easter.
With a couple of bank holidays on the horizon, it’s a great chance to take some time to cook something exciting, or at the very least, eat something delightful. Easter is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to explore new flavours, bring family and friends together, and make the most of the season’s best ingredients.