Using imagination to create classic festive dishes with an innovative touch can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate the holidays. Incorporating new flavours and ingredients can transform traditional dishes into something unique and memorable. Experimenting with spices, herbs, and different cooking techniques can add depth and complexity to the regular or most used standard culinary fares while maintaining the original recipe's essence. Approving this topic, using imagination in the kitchen can lead to delicious and creative dishes that will impress guests and make the holidays even more special. Working on these lines, Chef Nandini Malhotra, CYK Hospitalities Pvt Ltd, has come up with some easy-to-make Easter recipes.
She has kept the recipes simple with minimal readily available ingredients. Likewise, the process or method has clear instructions for anyone, even a newbie, to follow effortlessly.
Chocolate Easter Eggs
The egg symbolised rebirth and fertility. It has been associated with a symbol of new life. It also represents Jesus's emergence from the tomb and resurrection. What can be more festive and cheerful than enjoying chocolate fashioned as Easter eggs?
Easter chocolate eggs, Image By:CYK Hospitalities
Ingredients
- Oil- for greasing
- Dark chocolate - 100 gm
- White chocolate- 100gm
- Candies -30gm
- Egg moulds-2
Method
- Polish the mould with brushing oil. This ensured a highly polished finish to the chocolate and also helps to release the set chocolate from the mould.
- Melt white chocolate in the microwave in short intervals until smooth and melted. Pour into the piping bag and make designs on the mould like stripes, swirls, polka dots etc. and once the design is done, refrigerate the mould for 15-20 minutes.
- Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave in intervals for it to be smooth. Spoon melted chocolate into each cavity until you get a thick layer of chocolate. It is essential to get a thick layer so the egg will have structural integrity.
- Let the mould rest at room temperature to set the coating. Once set, refrigerate the mould until the layer is very firm.
- Fill the bottom of the egg with candies of your choice.
- Smear a bit of melted chocolate onto the edges of the bottom half and then press them together as
- You can wrap eggs in different coloured wrappers or leave them as it is on a tray.
Cheese-Scalloped Potatoes
When it comes to Easter, you must try these cheesy potatoes with your ham. To make this decadent side dish, you need ingredients which are easily available in your household. Cheese and potatoes always pair well. And this particular rendition has a festive appeal to it.
Creamy yummy cheese loaded potatoes, Image By: CYK Hospitalities
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3/4tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Method
- Whisk together salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic in a medium bowl with heavy cream.
- Line and grease a baking tin and add layers of peeled potato topping off with cheese. Keep repeating the layers until all potatoes and cheese have been used. Top it off with a heavy cream mixture.
- Bake these in a preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius for 40-45 minutes until the potatoes are tender, and the top is golden.
Rest for 10 minutes before serving!