Easter, Passover, Pasqua
The holiday that welcomes Spring
I loved Easter as a child. Not so much the extended Catholic services two Sundays in a row, but the more relaxed family gathering that followed - equal parts fun and food.
Easter meant a pretty new dress, a skipping rope, a fresh Robert Munsch or Babysitters Club, the super box of coloured pencils, a Bonne Bell Strawberry “Biggy” Lip Smacker for around your neck and of course a chocolate egg - frosted with a piped “E” in royal icing alongside an overflow of foil enrobed chocolate eggs. This lavish collection of essential 1980’s Easter treats were stuffed in a wicker and grosgrain woven yellow basket. Good memories.
Tags freshly cut from my new dress and new book in hand I patiently sat through mass until lunch at Nanny’s finally came. Nanny of course had more chocolate at the ready for all the grandkids. My cousin Maggie and I would skip (weather permitting) and perhaps play tag with the other cousins in the backyard.
Eventually Easter lunch was served. The grown up’s table was crowded, elbow to elbow with Nan in her rightful place at the head of the table. The kids table, in the family room was just as living. Nan’s curio filled with her salt and pepper shaker collection as are background. Roast ham, scalloped potatoes and lemon pie - delicious.
I have adapted my personal Easter meal over the years but the nostalgia of Easter weekend as a child still makes me smile. Perhaps I should buy myself a skipping rope this year.
I have lived in Italy during Pasqua and it’s a very important holiday - perhaps more so than Christmas, in my observation.
I was living in Torino. Exquisite window displays of chocolate and sweets, each one more spectacular than its neighbour. The Piemontese are known for chocolate, among other delicious and beautiful things, but Torino can lay claim as the Grande Dama of sweet shops and cafes offering winsome displays of velvety, rich chocolate confections.
Families gather in the Piazza after mass in search of pastel eggs. Soccer balls pass from child to child. The weather is far more Spring like in Northern Italian this time of year. It’s warm. Hundreds of aerobatic swallows swoop and dance in unison and the blooms volunteer their reflexed petals overhead.
The food is as expected. Course after course of seasonal and traditional dishes. Vitello Tonnato, Risotto Asparagi, Agnolotti del Plin, Saccocchia and Colomba. A long walk and perhaps a nap to follow. Is there a more idyllic day?
Passover is also a beloved holiday. The Passover table is so beautiful and the ceremony amongst the food is a special experience. I have been honoured to sit at many Passover tables and I will tuck in to each course with respectful merriment. Matzo Ball Soup, Brisket, Kugel, Tzimmes, Charoset and Coconut Macaroons - perfection.
I am curious how you celebrate the holiday. What are your treasured memories of this Spring weekend? Share with me in the comments.
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In the spirit of the Easter weekend I have offered a few recipes below. Hot Cross Brioche, a simple Herbaceous Frittata that is ideal for Sunday brunch, a lush Asparagus Risotto and Coconut Macaroons.
I have also included a quick video for a fun and pretty Easter treat. Click below!
Full recipe videos for the Hot Cross Brioche and Frittata can also be viewed on my Youtube channel. Click HERE!
My Asparagus Risotto recipe can be found at enidgrace.com, click HERE
Paid subscribers, I have a special bonus edition coming to you tomorrow featuring extra recipes!
Happy Easter, Buona Pasqua, Chag Pesach Sameach!
The asparagus risotto recipe is missing fyi.
As my family hails from Veneto, Pasqua always meant that a risotto would be on the table to begin the Easter meal. Il secondo varied - cutlets , a roast chicken or (my favorite ) a combination roast of veal and pork Mr. Cinotti our neighbourhood butcher would have ready for us. It was cooked on the stove wit garlic, vino bianco and rosmarimo. I can still smell the heavenly aromas.
Buona Pasqua.