EASTER EGGS , EASTER BUNNIES & HOT CROSS BUNS

Easter Eggs, Easter Bunnies and Hot Cross Buns are all synonymous with Easter. Easter is a day which celebrates the rebirth of Jesus i.e. the celebration of the death and coming to life again of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and the most important christian festival.

A Hot Cross Bun is a spiced sweet bun marked with a cross on the top, and traditionally eaten on Good Friday. The eating of hot cross bun symbolises the end of Lent because they are made with dairy products which are forbidden during the period of Lent. Different parts of the hot cross bun have a certain meaning. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus and the spices inside represents the spices used to embalm him at his burial.

There are many legends about the  origins of the Easter eggs and Easter bunnies. Easter eggs and bunnies are usually used as gifts on the occasion of Easter. Rabbits for long have been associated with fertility and new life because of their breeding habits. Rabbits were also associated with Virgin Mary because of their ability to reproduce without losing its virginity. Easter eggs are a symbol of Jesus' emergence from the tomb and resurrection or to put simply..a symbol of new life. Eggs have always been associated with new life, new beginnings or spring in most cultures. In the olden days chicken eggs were dyed and painted and presented as gifts, but in modern times beautifully crafted chocolate eggs have substituted chicken eggs. Hence, a bunny bringing colorful eggs and candies in its basket to the homes of children is considered a symbol of Easter. Easter eggs and bunnies have become the most commercially recognized religious symbol in the modern world.

How are hot cross buns made?

Hot cross buns recipe consist of bread flour, milk, butter and yeast. Sultanas or raisins are added to the mixture with and cinnamon.

Crosses are cut into the surface of the bun or they can be made by using a paste of water and flour and place them on top of the bun. The buns are then baked in an oven for 20 mins till golden brown and then brushed with a a coat of glaze.

They can then be served, buttered or dry on Good Friday and throughout Easter.

How are Chocolate Easter Eggs made?

Materials Required:

• Chocolate -  As needed
• Egg shaped moulds
• Spatula 
• Bowl
• Tray
• Baking Sheet
• Thermometer

Instructions:

STEP 1: Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl until silky and smooth. Stir with spatula until the pieces have melted and the thermometer shows 28C. This can take a while, so have patience and keep stirring. Use as soon as possible. If the chocolate starts to get too cold and thick, reheat for few seconds.

STEP 2: Fill the moulds. Half fill one mould with the chocolate, then tip it this way and that to completely cover the mould. Pour off the excess back into the chocolate bowl. Repeat with the other half of the egg . Line the baking sheet on the tray. Set the moulds, flat side down,on the lined sheet. Transfer to the fridge and leave to set for about 10 mins.

STEP 3: When the chocolate is solid, flex the mould to gently release it. After releasing them from their mould, heat a baking sheet in the oven for few mins. Take the sheet out of the oven and pick up one side of the egg. Next, carefully rub the flat edge on the tray to melt a little. Repeat with the second side.

 STEP 4: Next quickly fill the two halves of the egg with candies and combine the two halves. hold the melted edges of the egg for few seconds until they stick. Wipe off the excess, then leave  the egg to set in a fridge for few minutes. The egg is now ready for Easter. Store in a cool place.

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