Easter is a widely observed holiday and religious festival. It coincides with the proper start of Spring and the promise of some warmer months, with better weather, after the winter’s mild and grey dullness. Like Christmas, it’s a great time to meet friends and family and share a meal together. Unlike Christmas, it doesn’t fall on a set day every year, although there have been attempts by the Clergy in all dominations of the Christian faith to set one, nothing has ever been decided. Easter Sunday (the day that Christ rise’s from the Dead) can be anywhere between late March to mid to late April, making it a very weather uncertain holiday.
It’s actually calculated by being the First Sunday after the Full moon of the Spring Equinox. If that all sounds a bit pagan, it’s because, partially, it is. Like Christmas, which is based on the Winter Solstice, the holiday follows the pattern of the seasons. The practical point is that planning for Easter Lunchtime is a bit of a problem as the weather could be anywhere between an early warm spell or a storm.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to have a few options on standby depending on what the weather is going to do. Here are a couple to start you off-
Pork and Herby potatoes – A white meat is always a good standby and with pork, you have something pretty versatile. You can do it as a joint or switch the old favourites of a chop or sausages. For the potatoes, try roasting them with Thyme, Rosemary or Garlic for a change. This combination also allows for you to mix the two with Veg or with a salad depending on the weather.
Lamb Shank and Mash – Lamb is a very traditional Easter meal, after the Fish that is traditionally served on Good Friday. This is a British classic, usually serviced with a rich gravy, possibly flavoured with red wine vinegar or similar. A plain butter mash is better so as not to overpower the sauce. It doesn’t give you much scope for change but if the Bank Holiday is a wet and dreary one it can certainly put a smile back on the faces of the family.
Roast Chicken – This with the trimmings if it’s cold outside or with a salad and Chips or New potatoes gives a whole new slant on the traditional meal. It’s a good standby whatever the weather.
Quiche and Veggie Options – Don’t be afraid to go with another early summer classic. A sizable quiche, with the many flavours and fillings available, is just one of the many other early spring options. Also, if you’re looking to be a bit more healthy and help the Planet, why not take look at the meat-free section. Pea and wheat protein products can be just as good an option.