Storified by Arya McLean· Fri, Apr 19 2013 17:26:30
Easter is the most important of the Christian festivals and celebrates the resurrection of Christ, tough many pagan elements have become part of the celebration and these aspects are often celebrated by Christians and non-Crhistians alike. Indeed, the name 'Easter' itself in English derives from Ester, Eastre or Eostre the name of the putative Germanic goddess of the Dawn. What is a traditional easter meal?
Traditionally on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday hot cross buns are eaten. Below is a classic recipe for these yeast-based cakes:
Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
For the Buns:2 tsp dried yeast
40g caster sugar
360ml warm milk
750g plain flour
2 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp ground cinnamon
50g butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oi(
1 egg
50g caster sugar
280g sultanas
50g candied peel
For the Crosses:
80g plain flour(80ml water
For the Glaze:
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp gelatine
2 tbsp water
Method:
Place the yeast, sugar and milk in a large bowl and set aside for 5 minutes (the mixture should begin to foam). Once the yeast mixture is ready add flour, spices, butter, oil, egg, extra sugar and dried fruit then mix to combine. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes or until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover then set in a warm spot for at least 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Divide into 12 balls of equal size and place these on a greased baking sheet. Cover and put in a warm position until doubled in size.
Pre-heat your oven to 200°C and mix together the flour and water for the crosses. Place in a piping bag and pipe crosses on the buns. Place in an the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until springy to the touch. Meanwhile place the sugar, gelatin and water in a saucepan and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes or until gelatin has dissolved. Brush the still-warm buns with glaze.
For Easter Sunday itself, lamb is the traditional meat for the main meal and below is a recipe for a Greek-inspired version:
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