Yummy Easter Treats

Remember that 'Hot Cross Buns' nursery rhyme? That song sung by children reveals how valued this traditional Easter delight has become being a part of the Easter meal in England.

Many countries around the world have delicious Easter treats that are unique to their tradition and culture. While many follow the same religious story, different countries have recipes with a twist to reflect their depiction of Easter.

The traditional Tsoureki Easter Bread from Greece is ritually cut at the Easter Sunday meal where it is often plaited or made into a wreath and is usually baked with a red egg in the centre.

The famous Flaounes are Easter cheese pies from Cyprus which are part of the fast-breaking meal after Lent when people pledge not to eat meat and cheese.

The Mazanec is a traditional Easter sweet from Czechoslovakia that is cut into a shape of a cross with a knife and brushed with a beaten egg where grated almonds is sprinkled for garnishing. Fastelauns Boller are Mardi Gras Buns traditional from Norway that are traditional buns eaten during the Mardi Gras period before the commencement of Lent. The unique Retes Dough is a traditional bread in Hungary and Austria which is usually taken to church to be blessed on Easter Sunday and form a part of the Easter meal.

English traditional Easter delights encompass Hot cross buns and Pancakes that are traditionally made on Pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday just before Lent. Many villages have pancake-tossing processions on this day which brings the fun spirit of Easter. The delicious Easter biscuits also come from England where legend has it that it is traditional to serve these biscuits tied in three with a ribbon to represent the Trinity.

In Germany, pretzels are given to children at Easter which is usually made into large heart shapes decorated with coloured ribbons. In Italy, the delectable Pizza Con Prosciutto is a traditional Easter dish made from a topping of proscuitto ham, dried sweet sausage, mozzarella and ricotta and percorino cheeses.