Celebrating Easter!

March 25, 2024

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of joy, renewal, and new beginnings, marked by various traditions and rituals that have evolved over centuries. One of the most beloved aspects of Easter is the food, particularly the baking and cooking that brings families together. In this article, we'll explore the history and traditions of Easter, highlighting pantry items that are essential for Easter baking and cooking.

History and Traditions of Easter:

Easter has its roots in ancient spring festivals that celebrated the rebirth of life after the long winter. As Christianity spread, these festivals were incorporated into the Christian calendar, with Easter symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, Easter is celebrated with church services, family gatherings, and festive meals.

Here's a classic hot cross buns recipe for you:

Ingredients:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/3 cup sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

- 1 1/4 cups warm milk

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 2 eggs

- 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins

- 1/4 cup candied citrus peel (optional)

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

For the Crosses:

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 5-6 tablespoons water

For the Glaze:

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm milk and melted butter to the flour mixture. Mix until well combined.
Add eggs, currants, citrus peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 6-8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Cover the buns with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
For the crosses, mix 1/2 cup flour with enough water to form a thick paste. Pipe crosses onto the buns using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
For the glaze, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Brush the glaze over the warm buns.
Let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving.