From ages 9 to 18, I attended Catholic schools. I wasn’t a “Catholic school-girl”, but I was a “Catholic-school, girl”. Easter is a big deal for Catholics. Bigger than Christmas. I understand the ins and outs of Easter, I attended Easter mass and observed Lent for all my pre-teen and teenage years. But at the end of the day, for non-religious people like myself, Easter is a couple days off work, a whole lot of chocolate, hot cross buns and some feasting.

Have you got any eating or cooking plans this Easter? Here in New Zealand it’s autumn and no doubt there will be many families firing up the barbecue for one final pow wow before winter.

Here’s a round up some of my recipes for Easter. I’ve included lamb, hot cross buns, eggs, more eggs and a carrot cake just for the Easter bunny. Most of them teeter on the fence between sweet and savoury. Enjoy!

Hot Cross Buns with Custard and Cognac (bread and butter pudding)

A decadent version of bread and butter pudding using hot cross buns. Use traditional sultana hot cross buns or the fancy new chocolate hot cross buns. I used a 50/50 split of both.

I can assure you, it tastes as good as it looks.

What the critics are saying: “Oh my crap you are such an evil genius.” – Kara Lalala

Check out the recipe here.

Chinese Tea Eggs

I grew up eating these beautifully marbled soy and spice eggs. They’re a Chinese street snack and a savoury change from the sugar overload you might be experiencing over Easter. Make these 2-3 days ahead of Easter to allow them to steep to their maximum flavour and visual impact.

Check out the recipe here.

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

You will impress the Easter bunny this Easter with a carrot cake.

Decorated with a chocolate bunny face, a delicious way to get some vegetables into your Easter.

Check out the recipe here.

Lamb Sausages and Grapes

Lamb is traditionally eaten at Easter, but a big leg of lamb can be a lot of work. A tasty, cheaper and quick cooking alternative is to use lamb sausages. A one pot caramelised delight you can serve with mash potatoes or bread.

Check out the recipe here.

Fried Eggs on Toast with Bacon Jam

Eggs for Easter breakfast! Of course! Bacon jam is a great treat for grown ups too. This recipe uses espresso, but you can also add as shot of whiskey towards the end of cooking for extra punch. Spread bacon jam thickly over toast and top with fried eggs, this will be a great brunch to set you up for Easter.

Check out the recipe for bacon jam here. Sorry, I didn’t write a recipe for fried eggs. Just wing it. I’m sure you’ll be fine.

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