Springtime usually offers us a few things we all look forward to:
- Vibrant flowers in bloom
- The return of hot cross buns
- Silly hats (Easter bonnets)
- The promise of sunshine with a few showers in between
- Lots and lots of chocolate
But the Easter holiday specifically is often used as a time to indulge in our guilty pleasures and favourite, seasonal foods. Every year our team loves coming up with new and quirky menu choices that utilise the best ingredients from that season.
Now, of course, we love producing these distinctive dishes for events as some of the top caterers in Hampshire. However, we are well aware that sometimes you just want to know what you can do at home to keep up with the trends of this year.
While we’d like to think we ate the same premium level catering options at home, our team are also on the lookout for more simple yet scrumptious ways to celebrate Easter. We’ve put together some of our favourite trends and ideas for this year that will hopefully inspire you to do the same!
The Easter Egg Dilemma
April is definitely the time for chocolate. Eggs have already been in the supermarkets for over a month and it’s a waiting game to determine when it is most acceptable to start stocking up. I’m sure everyone has a favourite brand or flavour that they go for each year, but 2022 seems to be the time for luxury products.
-
Filled Easter Eggs
Any of the top caterers in Hampshire will tell you that you don’t need to go big to make an impact. Sometimes the smallest of dishes actually pack the most flavour.
However, if you can’t get enough of your favourite chocolate, filled eggs might be the way to go. You can get hollow products with an extra selection that reveals itself once you crack into them. So, not only do you get the plain egg, but you get bite-sized pieces of the product you love to make it last that little bit longer. (Maybe.)
Although you don’t have to stop there. Even filling your own Easter bakes is becoming more popular. Cakes with mini egg centres that pour out or pastries filled with seasonal fruit curds.
In the past, we’ve designed elegant Eton Mess macarons that would make an amazing Spring or Summer dessert. Combine your favourite flavours and experiment with Easter treats to create something new.
-
Go Vegan
Unsurprisingly, vegan chocolate has officially become mainstream. More and more people are opting for non-dairy options to satisfy diet requirements, allergies, intolerances and ethical standpoints.
This means that there is a need for more vegan eggs this time of year. Oat milk is one of the most popular alternatives when creating these products, but they still promise the same great taste and sweetness we all look for in Spring.
Whether you are looking for more variety, are trying to change up your diet or are just looking for something new, this Easter will certainly be the time and place to do so.
Old Favourites
There are a few traditions a lot of us look forward to at Easter. Even as some of the top caterers in Hampshire, a few of our team still like to stay firmly within the box when it comes to traditional holiday food.
-
Lamb On Sunday
A lot of families still like to enjoy roast lamb on Easter Sunday. It tends to be paired with all the trimmings of a well-loved British roast dinner. However, there is always an opportunity to do something a little different from the tradition and make it into a new family favourite.
A dish we have served in the past was Surrey Hills Lamb tagine with preserved lemon and couscous. While this may be a bit much to handle at home when feeding the family, it just goes to show that you can still enjoy the meat while serving it in a less conventional style.
Another way that could allow you to give the barbeque its first spin of the year is opting for lamb kebabs. Coating them in yoghurt will provide a delicious tang and give you the option to pair it with something different. Lemon butter and a side of pitta bread, roasted vegetables or couscous would go down a treat. It’s also a little lighter than the usual option!
-
Deviled Eggs
While not to everyone’s taste – you have to admit that these are an old tradition for Easter. Their popularity tends to pick up again towards April, and this year we will be looking at some really creative ways to make them more exciting.
If you want to go all out – we’ve seen some people style this dish to look like hatching chicks! With piped filling and the whites creating a sandwich effect, it looks super cute and would be great for hosting friends and family.
Alternatively, if you are wanting to cater for your vegan friends – deviled avocados have also taken storm this year. They contain all the flavours of the old favourite with the addition of some creamy avocado and spices. It would make a great alternative or you could double up half and half to ensure everyone is catered for!
Cocktail Hour
We are all hoping for a sunny Spring and bright, warm Easter weekend. So why not plan ahead and organise some homemade cocktails that will be perfect for this time of year. We love a fruity cocktail at Vanilla Bean and have put together some delicious mixes in the past. Don’t forget to make use of the seasonal fruit and herbs for garnishing as well as adding to the drink itself.
Spring is all about the new flowers and fresh starts, so what better than a gorgeous Limoncello Mojito? Sharp and refreshing, it could be the perfect option for a warm event in the garden. Topped with a sprig of mint – you might even be able to use some herbs from the garden.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, we think it’s time for some more chocolate. If you haven’t had enough already…
Essentially a fancy milkshake, this chocolate mocktail can be served in your choice of glass and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. All you will need is milk, cocoa powder and condensed milk. Blitz it all together for a sweet and creamy option that kids and adults will love!
Tea, Not Dinner
If you would prefer a more open house-style celebration this Easter, serving an antipasti afternoon tea will allow people to graze as they wish. This will often be just enough to tide people over amongst the egg hunts and socialising.
Your deviled eggs could even make an appearance here! Small, bite-sized dishes are perfect for outdoor or indoor events where people are mingling and perhaps you invited a few too many people to cook for!
Prawn cocktail, grilled seasonal vegetables, Spring fruits and stuffed mushrooms are just a few ideas that would go down nicely with guests. You will, of course, have plenty of sweet treats – so pairing that with some smaller savoury pieces won’t go amiss.
Make them easy to eat on the go and remember, keeping it simple doesn’t mean it will be boring. The traditional antipasto mix of cold meats, capers and nice bread is usually a hit with guests.
Vanilla Bean Catering: Top Caterers In Hampshire
This season seems to have come around ridiculously quickly. We don’t have long before we will be thinking about who is hosting Easter lunch and hiding eggs around the garden hoping they don’t melt!
Thinking outside of the box will allow you to have fun with old favourites and traditional dishes we expect around this time of year. Also, don’t be afraid to stray from the norm and serve up something completely different. It’s not all about following suit and our team is certainly one for unique and different catering options!
Furthermore, if you don’t want the hassle of sorting it yourself, we can help provide bespoke catering events, organising as much or as little of the event as you please. We have an extremely flexible team and take pride in executing our client’s expectations.
Our experienced caterers will help guide you through the process, taking a consultative approach to create a stress-free and stunning event tailored to your organisation.
Whether it be canapes and cocktails to three-course meals or buffets, our complete catering services always impress.
We have many years of experience in running prestigious events for companies of all sizes including leading fashion houses, international property agents and global bank groups.
Want to know more about how we can be of service for your company event? Get in touch with us today! You can contact us via email at london@vanilla-bean.co.uk or alternatively, you can call us at 020 8432 2252.
Fancy reading more like this? Check out:
Creative Ideas For A Buffet Surrey
