Easter is more than just a holiday—it is a celebration of life, renewal, and joy. Rooted in ancient Christian traditions, it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and brings with it a season of hope, new beginnings, and family togetherness. Over the years, Easter has also become a time of delightful rituals, special meals, and sweet indulgences that bring people closer across cultures.
The Origins of Easter
The word Easter is believed to be derived from Ēostre, a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox and the goddess of fertility and dawn. As Christianity spread, this springtime celebration merged with the resurrection of Christ, creating the rich tapestry of religious and cultural customs we see today.
In Western Christian traditions, Lent precedes Easter Sunday—a 40-day period of fasting and reflection. The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and finally, Easter Sunday, marked by joy, feasting, and family gatherings.
Rituals and Celebrations
Easter traditions vary across the globe—from sunrise services and egg hunts to festive parades and family meals. Symbols like Easter eggs, bunnies, and lilies are commonly seen, each representing rebirth and purity.
But what truly brings everyone together? Food. And when it comes to Easter tables, desserts take center stage.
A Sweet Easter Spread
From Italian Tiramisu to British trifle, the spotlight is always on layered desserts, buttery pastries, and fruity preserves. This year, we are giving your Easter menu a delightful twist—by blending European elegance with Indian flavours using Matilde Vicenzi Vicenzovo Lady Fingers and Mackay’s Preserves & Marmalades.
Why Matilde Vicenzi - Vicenzovo Ladyfinger?
Straight from Italy, Matilde Vicenzi’s Vicenzovo Ladyfinger is light, crisp, and made from the finest ingredients. Their subtle sweetness and spongy texture make them the perfect base for desserts—from tiramisu to puddings. And guess what? They are incredibly versatile for Indian fusion recipes too.
Mango Cardamom Tiramisu
A tropical delight with a whisper of spice.
Ingredients:
- Matilde Vicenzovo Ladyfinger
- Fresh mango purée (or canned Alphonso mango pulp)
- Whipped mascarpone cream
- Cardamom powder
- Chopped pistachios.
- Rose petals (optional for garnish)
How to Make:
- Mix mascarpone with whipped cream and a pinch of cardamom.
- Dip ladyfingers quickly in mango purée.
- Layer soaked ladyfingers with cream mixture.
- Repeat layers, top with mango swirl, pistachios, and rose petals.
- Chill overnight and serve cold.
🥄 Tip: Add a splash of rose water to the mango purée for a divine aroma.
Mackay’s: The Heart of Fruity Goodness
Mackay’s is a family-run Scottish brand known for its time-honoured method of crafting preserves, jams, and marmalades in traditional copper pans. Every jar is packed with real fruit, bold flavours, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. While these spreads are a staple on breakfast tables, their culinary potential goes way beyond toast. They are available in various rich fruity flavours like Fig, Blueberry, Blackcurrant, Raspberry, Apricot, Spiced Ginger, Fruity Orange & many more.
Easter Fusion: India Meets Scotland in the Kitchen
Easter is often celebrated with sweet treats, but Indian cuisine adds an extra layer of magic with its spices, textures, and celebration of colour. Here is how you can take Easter food to the next level using Mackay’s Preserves & Marmalades:
1. Mango Chilli Jam Glazed Paneer Skewers
Perfect for: Easter brunch starters or garden grill parties.
How to use Mackay’s: Marinate paneer cubes in a mix of Mackay’s Mango Chilli Jam, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and garam masala. Skewer and grill them for a spicy-sweet, tangy delight that is hard to resist.
2. Orange Marmalade & Cardamom Kheer
Perfect for: A refreshing twist on a traditional Indian dessert.
How to use Mackay’s: Add a generous spoonful of Mackay’s Orange Marmalade to your creamy rice kheer towards the end of cooking. It adds a citrus zing that complements the richness of milk and the warmth of cardamom.
3. Strawberry Preserve Shrikhand
Perfect for: Light Easter dessert cups.
How to use Mackay’s: Blend hung curd with Mackay’s Strawberry Preserve, saffron, and chopped pistachios. Serve chilled in colourful dessert cups for a fresh, fruity treat that kids and adults will love.
4. Hot Cross Buns with Spiced Jam Butter
Perfect for: A traditional Easter element with an Indian twist.
How to use Mackay’s: Mix Mackay’s Three Berry Preserve with a dash of cinnamon and softened butter. Spread this on warm hot cross buns for a fusion flavour bomb.
5. Jam-Filled Gujiya
Perfect for: A fusion of Easter eggs and Indian Holi sweets.
How to use Mackay’s: Fill traditional gujiya pastries (sweet dumplings) with a mix of khoya (milk solids) and Mackay’s Blueberry Preserve. Deep-fry or bake and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar. Think of them as Indian jam-filled Easter eggs!
Bring It to Your Table
Whether you are planning an elegant Easter brunch or a relaxed family dinner, these unique fusion recipes will bring freshness to your table. Pairing Italian tradition with Scottish preserves and Indian flavours creates a tapestry of taste that reflects the global, joyful spirit of Easter.
You can find Matilde Vicenzi Vicenzovo Ladyfinger and Mackay’s Preserves & Marmalades on our sunbeam ventures website online—make sure to grab them before the Easter rush!
Final Thoughts
Easter is a celebration of joy, warmth, and shared meals. This year, try something new. Mix up cultures, surprise your guests, and celebrate the global flavour of family traditions. With Vicenzovo Ladyfinger and Mackay’s Marmalades, your Easter sweets will not only taste divine—they will tell a story.
“Wishing you a joyful, delicious, and blessed Easter filled with love and sweet memories.”.
