Getting Ready for Easter

 

 

Is it really time again for Hot Cross Buns and Chocolate eggs?  It’s such a lovely time of year and the garden is looking bright and cheerful with the yellow daffodils bobbing about and the contrasting blue of the grape hyacinths. We are looking forward to a lovely Easter weekend and hopefully the weather will stay fair - as it is today.

 

The first real break of the year for many people; longer than Christmas with nicer weather and the promise of lots of chocolate – what could be better. 

On Good Friday along with our normal offerings at breakfast time I shall be serving Hot Cross Buns.

There are many myths around why we serve Hot Cross Buns at Easter.   One of them says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will keep for a year – don’t think so, more like 2 minutes (the time it takes to eat it!). Another encourages keeping the buns for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone who is unwell is said to help them recover.

Sharing a hot cross bun with someone is supposed to keep friendships throughout the coming year, particularly if "Half for you and half for me, between us two shall goodwill be" is said at the time. Because there is a cross on the buns, some say you should be kissed before you eat it. If you hang it in the kitchen, it supposed to protect against fires and ensures that bread turn out perfectly. The hanging bun is replaced each year. (Don’t think I will adopt this one as our bread turns out OK every time!). I always thought it was to do with Jesus and the Cross - but who knows the real reason. It seems unimportant when you are eating one, hot, toasted and dripping in butter.

Happy Easter everyone.