25 fabulous recipes for Easter entertaining

Given up anything for Lent this year? If so, you’re almost at the finish line! Easter has snuck up on us and for many lucky souls, it’s turned into a 10-day mini break.

I’ve shared our 10 baking ideas for the holidays and now we’re turning up the heat and going full-throttle Easter food! And no – I’m not just talking chocolate.

If you’re in the Cape – you’ll be familiar with the tradition of eating pickled fish on Good Friday. Many people are baffled by this custom so I’ll give a brief explanation…

Back in the old days when there was no refrigeration, the fishermen that worked out at sea around the peninsula would preserve their abundant Summer catch by pickling the fish in a vinegary, sour, sweet pickle. It’s often eaten with (or on) hot cross buns. If this has been a busy week for you, we’ve got a quick and easy last-minute pickled fish recipe for you to try at home!

What is Easter without eggs? And no, again I don’t mean chocolate eggs. Gather your crew and whip up one of these savoury eggy breakfasts:

Polenta egg cups
Eggs Benedict
Spicy baked eggs with oat flapjacks
Potato frittata with paprika and chilli
Cheesy French toast

When it comes to meat, there’s no question that lamb is the way to go for a traditional Easter. How about one of these for your family lunch or dinner?

Slow roasted lamb schwarma
Roast leg of lamb with garlic
Greek-style lamb burgers
Thyme and oregano lamb
Lamb and eggplant pita
Lamb Kleftiko
Easy-to-carve lamb shoulder

Finally – the pièce de résistance of any Easter holiday comes in the form of sweet sugary chocolate!

Here is a list of our favourite Easter treats:

Baked Nutella chocolate torte
Chocolate Easter nest cupcakes
Mini Simnel cakes
Easter bunny biscuits
Chocolate marshmallow pops
Mini peppermint and caramel-filled Easter eggs
Hot cross bun chocolate puddings
Pink Easter funfetti cake with creme fraiche icing
Low carb chocolate cake
Chocolate fudge bars
Chocolate Peppermint Crisp fridge cake
Chocolate mousse and lemon curd-filled egg cups