The essence of Easter lies in getting the entire family together over Easter dinner. Easter is an important Christian festival to commemorate the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion. The entire family meets over dinner on Easter Sunday and takes a break from their packed schedule. The Easter spread usually comprises of beef steaks, smoked ham, stuffed chicken. These are the traditional Easter hot-favorites. Since Easter is the most important Christian festival after Christmas, a lot of effort goes into preparing the Easter dinner. In most families the menu is meticulously planned and preparations and shopping for ingredients make last for one week before Easter.
The farms produce specially fattened animals for meat which is auctioned at local markets and fetch very good prices. Another integral part of this event is decorating the dinner table. The act requires both finesse and good taste. Generally the children in the house assist the women to prepare the dinner table. The decorations are very elaborate comprising of dinner lightings, candles, fresh flowers and exquisite table cloths. Extensively embroidered table spreads mark the Easter dinner table with matching chair covers. The crockery and cutlery is also special in this occasion and is generally kept aside for this event only. Expensive chinaware and silver cutlery are used for this special event. Another important part of Easter is the Easter egg which is kept on the dinner table along with candles. The ideal dinner table is characterized by soft pastel or white sheets; flowers which are set low so people can be seen over them.
The menu for this dinner is also special, let us look at a typical Mediterranean Lamb Dinner menu:-
For starter there are blood orange and roguefor salad. In the main course there are garlic and herb lamb with green beans and potatoes and roasted carrots served with herbs, tomatoes and black olive scones and for desert what could replace the classic Italian Pastiera.
On the other hand the traditional Easter ham menu comprises of red and white wine for drinks and the main course of honey-baked ham, tangy rhubarb chutney, and three cheese scalloped potatoes, green peas and crisp baby corn served with fresh rolls and honey bread. To top it all off is the Sunny Day Strawberry cake. The preparations for these lavish dinners may last up to one week.
However last minute Easter dinners are not uncommon with families planning the entire event in a day or two. These dinners are not so elaborate but the essence of Easter is captured as beautifully in these get-togethers as in the lavish dinners. Wine also makes up a good part of the dinner planning. Choosing the right wine for the guests is as essential as cooking the right meal. Usually both white and red wines are stocked and for those who can afford, good rare vintages are in demand during these days of festivities. One the day the guests start arriving and the family starts gathering, after a few drinks dinner is served along with wine. Post dinner dessert is served and the party goes into late at night.
Easter Dinner
The essence of Easter lies in getting the entire family together over Easter dinner. Easter is an important Christian festival to commemorate the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion. The entire family meets over dinner on Easter Sunday and takes a break from their packed schedule. The Easter spread usually comprises of beef steaks, smoked ham, stuffed chicken. These are the traditional Easter hot-favorites. Since Easter is the most important Christian festival after Christmas, a lot of effort goes into preparing the Easter dinner. In most families the menu is meticulously planned and preparations and shopping for ingredients make last for one week before Easter.
The farms produce specially fattened animals for meat which is auctioned at local markets and fetch very good prices. Another integral part of this event is decorating the dinner table. The act requires both finesse and good taste. Generally the children in the house assist the women to prepare the dinner table. The decorations are very elaborate comprising of dinner lightings, candles, fresh flowers and exquisite table cloths. Extensively embroidered table spreads mark the Easter dinner table with matching chair covers. The crockery and cutlery is also special in this occasion and is generally kept aside for this event only. Expensive chinaware and silver cutlery are used for this special event. Another important part of Easter is the Easter egg which is kept on the dinner table along with candles. The ideal dinner table is characterized by soft pastel or white sheets; flowers which are set low so people can be seen over them.
The menu for this dinner is also special, let us look at a typical Mediterranean Lamb Dinner menu:-
For starter there are blood orange and roguefor salad. In the main course there are garlic and herb lamb with green beans and potatoes and roasted carrots served with herbs, tomatoes and black olive scones and for desert what could replace the classic Italian Pastiera.
On the other hand the traditional Easter ham menu comprises of red and white wine for drinks and the main course of honey-baked ham, tangy rhubarb chutney, and three cheese scalloped potatoes, green peas and crisp baby corn served with fresh rolls and honey bread. To top it all off is the Sunny Day Strawberry cake. The preparations for these lavish dinners may last up to one week.
However last minute Easter dinners are not uncommon with families planning the entire event in a day or two. These dinners are not so elaborate but the essence of Easter is captured as beautifully in these get-togethers as in the lavish dinners. Wine also makes up a good part of the dinner planning. Choosing the right wine for the guests is as essential as cooking the right meal. Usually both white and red wines are stocked and for those who can afford, good rare vintages are in demand during these days of festivities. One the day the guests start arriving and the family starts gathering, after a few drinks dinner is served along with wine. Post dinner dessert is served and the party goes into late at night.