For grown-up Christians all over the world, the coming of Easter Sunday symbolizes the end of the Lenten period of abstinence and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But for kids, this is the first big holiday of the year and marked by a treasure hunt for Easter Eggs, Easter Bunny and plenty of chocolate goodies. No wonder then that the festival of Easter is so loved by children all over the world, so much so that even kids who don’t come from Christian backgrounds love to eat sweet chocolate eggs and other candies on this day.
If you are wondering how to create the perfect Easter Sunday treats for your children this weekend, then look no further. Chef Parimi Shreeram, the Executive Chef at The Tamara Coorg has two easy-to-nail recipes that you will enjoy whipping up just as much as your kids will love eating them. Of course, going with the theme of the festivities, one of her recipes is for Easter Eggs and the other for Easter Bunny Buns. Check both of these out and give them a try.
Easter Egg Recipe
Eggs represent birth and the beginning of a new season, which is why the making of Easter Eggs is such a huge part of these festivities. Chef Parimi Shreeram’s Easter Egg recipe calls for a minimum of ingredients. But once you nail these sweet Easter Egg shells, you can stuff candies, chocolates and anything else you like in them, making them the perfect Easter gift.
Ingredients:
170 g unsalted butter
450 g icing sugar
85 g cream
1 tsp vanilla essence
Molten chocolate for coating
Candies for stuffing
Method:
1. Place the icing sugar and butter in a large bowl and whisk together until they turn soft and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla essence and cream, then mix everything together to make a smooth, soft dough.
3. Roll the dough out while ensuring that there is a ¼ inch thickness.
4. Place the dough on egg molds, trim the edges and place the molds in the fridge to let the eggs set.
5. Once the egg shells are set, take them carefully out of the mold.
6. Place your favourite candies inside, then apply a little molten chocolate to seal the egg.
7. Dip the egg in chocolate and let it set before serving.
Easter Bunny Buns
Where do Easter Eggs come from? Legend has it that the Easter Bunny, that mythical pink-and-white rabbit, brings Easter Eggs and hides them in the choicest of places for kids to find. So, your Easter Sunday celebrations will be incomplete without at least one symbolic Easter Bunny present with the Easter Eggs. Chef Parimi has the perfect Easter Bunny recipe here.
Ingredients:
400 g refined flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp dry yeast
¾ tsp salt
235 g milk
2 tbsp soft butter
1 egg
Raisins, as needed
Method:
1. Place the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
2. Place the milk, butter and egg in another bowl and whisk until softened.
3. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and make a soft, smooth bread dough.
4. You can also add some more flour to make the dough if needed.
5. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then cover and let it rest for an hour.
6. While the dough is resting, line two baking trays and pick eight sets of matching raisins to make the bunny eyes.
7. Once the dough is rested, cut the dough in half and keep one half covered. On a floured board, roll the other half of the dough into a 6 x 12-inch oval about 1/2 inch thick.
8. Cut the 2 larger circles from each end and 4 smaller ones in the middle. Place smaller circles on the baking sheet, spaced well apart. They will be the faces.
9. Using the large cutter, cut four even shapes off the edges of both large circles to make 8 ears. Cut four tiny 1/2-inch circles for the noses.
10. Slightly tuck 2 ears under the top of each bunny's head. Place the noses on each face and push in raisins for the eyes.
11. Cover with a dish towel and let the dough rise in a warm place 30 minutes to an hour, until doubled in size. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
12. You can shape any remaining dough into 2-inch balls to rise and bake the same way for extra rolls.
13. Bake each sheet separately in a preheated 375° F oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.