Easter Fun with Easter Simnel Cake

Easter 2015 is over but the charm remains yet. Isn't it? I'm was set for the occasion with Traditional songs and Easter recipes. The games including Easter eggs, basket hunt and the Easter bunny were really exciting and my family thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope you enjoyed my last blog, Hot Cross Buns. Preparing Simnel cake is a tradition followed in many countries and I followed the same. The cake is decorated with toasted marzipan balls, that represent 11 Apostles. Judas is not included here. 

According to Bible, the Apostles were major disciples of Jesus and the central figure in Christianity. Just like hot cross buns, there are several legendary stories associated to the cake. Simnel name for the cake came from brother, Simon and sister, Nell. Together they make Simnel. One decided to bake the cake while other decided to boil. Therefore, this cake consists of both Bake and Boil method. Hope you’ve shared the sweetness of Easter Simnel Cake with your loved ones.

For the Cake:-

3 Eggs,

200 grams Butter,

90 grams Currants,

1 grated Zest Lemon,

175 grams Sultanas,

175 grams Self-raising Flour,

175 grams Muscovado Sugar,

1 teaspoon Ground Mixed Spice,

30 grams chopped Candied Peel,

90 grams chopped Dried Cherries.

For Presentation:-

1 Egg white,

500 grams Almond Paste,

2 tablespoons Apricot Jam,

11 toasted Marzipan Balls.

Preparation Method:-

1. Take one-third of almond paste. Using the base of the cake tin, cut an 18 centimetre round. Oil the cake tin and set the bottom and side with greaseproof paper.

2. Combine all the cake ingredients in a bowl. Beat well. Spoon half of the cake mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Top with the round of almond paste.

3. Now spoon the remaining cake mixture on top and level the surface. Bake at 150 D.C for two hours or until golden brown. Cover the top of the cake with greaseproof paper if it is browning too quickly.

4. Cool for 10 minutes. Warm the jam and brush the top of the cake with it. To decorate the cake, take half of the remaining almond paste and place above the surface. Put on top of the jam and crimp the edges.

5. Place toasted marzipan balls on the surface. Place under a hot grill for one to two minutes, until the balls are golden. Serve!

Happy Easter!

Easter Special - Hot Cross Buns

I was just remembering how I use to rhyme the poem, in my childhood..

Hot-cross buns, Hot-cross buns!

One a penny, two a penny,

Hot-cross buns!

If you have no daughters,

Give them to your sons.

One a penny, two a penny,

Hot-cross buns!

It is often said, "Easter is the only time of the year when it is safe to put all your eggs in one basket". My friends, you already know that no Easter is complete without baking the rich and aromatic, spongy, hot cross buns. This bun, marked with a cross, is eaten since many many years. These are traditionally served on Good Friday and Easter. Nevertheless, lot many myths are related to these hot cross buns. Some people believe that if the buns are baked plus served on Good Friday, they will never spoil during that year. Others use the buns for medicinal use. If an ill person consumes it, he recovers very soon. 

On the other hand, if this bun is shared with a friend, there has to have a strong bond between the two in near future, especially if you say, "half for you and half for me, between us two shall goodwill be". Isn't it interesting? Not only this, if these buns are carried in the ship, during the voyage, the journey is considered to be safe throughout. The hanging bun is also replaced each year in the kitchen and is consider to protect the kitchen against fire. Similar Easter recipes served on the auspicious occasion are Easter Ham and Simnel cakes. I will be sharing my recipe of Simnel cake with you shortly. So let's bake the Hot Cross Buns together on Easter.

For Buns:-

2 Eggs,

200 ml Milk,

50 grams Butter,

½ teaspoon Salt,

7 grams Dry Yeast,

500 grams White Flour,

50 grams Caster Sugar,

2 teaspoon Mixed Spice,

200 grams Mixed Dried Fruits.

For the Cross and Glaze:-

Honey for brushing,

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

Preparation Method:-

1. Take a bowl and add flour, salt, mixed spice and sugar, butter, dried fruits and yeast. Beat eggs and pour into this mixture.

2. Mix the ingredients with warm milk to form a moist dough. Leave for 5 minutes. Bring dough out of the bowl and cut the dough into 8 equal pieces.

3. Shape the dough into buns placing on a floured surface. Place in baking sheet. This will take 30 minutes.

4. In the meantime, prepare glaze. Mix the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a paste. Pour into a plastic food bag. Make a nick in one of the corners.

5. Take the buns out. Make crosses on top of each bun. Bake for another 15 minutes until risen and golden. Brush buns with honey. Serve!

Happy Easter 2015!

Glazed Smoked Ham Easter Recipe

Hi friends, I prepared Glazed Smoked Ham, this Easter. My folks simply loved it. The best way to enjoy the ham is with rich apricot homemade jelly. I prepared the apricot jelly few days ago in order to save time. To add on to this, Worcestershire sauce is savory and sweet with a distinct tangy taste due to malt vinegar. I got smoked ham too, it’s time saving. The rich recipe is really a quick meal. It added to the festive mood. Let me share it with you..

Ingredients:-

1 Large onion,

1/4 Cup water,

8 Sprigs fresh thyme,

3/4 Cup apricot jelly,

7 Pound smoked ham,

2 Teaspoons molasses,

4 Tablespoons cider vinegar,

1 tablespoon unsalted butter,

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour,

1/4 Teaspoon ground allspice,

3 Tablespoons yellow mustard,

1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire sauce,

1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth,

Kosher salt as required,

Ground cloves as required,

Ground black pepper as required

Preparation Method:-

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Score the ham with a crosshatch pattern through the thick layer of skin and fat. Arrange the onions in the center of a foil lined sheet pan large roasting pan and set the ham on top of them. Bake for 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, stir together the apricot jelly, water, thyme leaves, mustard, 3 tablespoons of the vinegar, the molasses, Worcestershire, allspice, and cloves in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until the jelly has dissolved and sauce is smooth, about 4 minutes.

3. After the ham has been baked for 1 hour, brush with the apricot mixture every 15 minutes for another 45 minutes or until nicely glazed. Transfer the ham to a serving platter, tent with foil and set aside while making the sauce.

4. Discard the onions, remove foil and pour the sauce into a skillet. Add the broth and bring to a boil over high heat. In a small bowl, mix the butter and flour together until you form a paste.

5. Whisk into the pan juices and let sauce simmer until thickened like gravy. Finish with the remaining tablespoon of vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Thinly slice the ham and serve with the sauce.

Hope you had Happy Easter!!

More of Egg-o-egg Facts on The Easter

Easter reminds us of lots and lots of eggs. But let’s see who does not have privilege to eat eggs during this festival. People who cannot afford eating eggs, have various substitutes that will again add to the festive mood. We have some exclusive recipes for them as well. So keep the spirit high..

When to say “NO” to eggs??

1. Home of cholesterol bombs - One egg has as much cholesterol as regular size burger. Yolk is not recommended for the people facing high cholesterol problem.

2. High uric acid - People with high uric acid must avoid consumption of eggs. Since eggs are high in protein, they are likely to increase the uric acid.  

3. Allergic to eggs - These are symptoms one might have to face due to egg allergy. A baby who is allergic to eggs may fall sick or suffer from rashes all over his body.

Signs and Symptoms -

• Skin problems:- Egg allergy may result in hives, eczema, flushing or swelling.
• Problem in digestion:- Nausea, belly pain, diarrhea, vomiting and itching around the mouth are the common problems faced.
• Problems with respiratory system:- A person may have runny nose, difficulty in breathing or wheezing, if he is allergic to eggs.
• Cardiovascular system problems:- Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure are the common problems faced by people allergic to eggs.

4. During menstruation - Mostly bleeding during menstruation is increased while women consume eggs.

5. Pregnancy - Egg must be consumed only if advised by the doctor. Avoid par-boiled or raw eggs.

Let’s see what the lucky one’s have in their store on the auspicious occasion of Easter. Here are some ‘Popular Easter Recipes’:-

Easter chocolate candies - Try the rich and creamy chocolate covered eggs and enjoy dark as well as milk chocolate fusion.

Hot Cross Bun Surprises - Traditional Easter rolls are very easy to make but can be made special yet by hiding a pocketful of filling inside each. It is decorated with a cross on top.

Bunny Cream Puffs - These delightful bunny cream puffs will make people of all age group smile. They look and taste great as well.

Easter Bonnet Cheese Spread - A bonnet is made up of cream cheese, pineapple, green onion and basil. It’s a perfect recipe to be served for an Easter Buffet.

Orange-Filled Easter Bread - The orange-scented, pure version of the Easter bread, filled with rich dyed-in-the-shell hard-cooked eggs is marked as an Easter holiday tradition worldwide.

Scrambled Egg Tortilla Cups - Celebrate the Easter breakfast with cheese, potatoes and egg food fiesta with the rich crunch of tortillas.

Finally let’s check out the Nutrition Value (Hard-boiled egg)

• Serving Size - 100 g
• Calories - 155
• Total Fat - 10.61g (16%)
  -Saturated Fat - 3.267g (16%)
  -Polyunsaturated Fat - 1.414g
  -Monounsaturated Fat - 4.077g
• Cholesterol - 424mg (141%)
• Sodium - 124 mg (5%)
• Potassium - 126 mg
• Total Carbohydrate - 1.12g (0%)
• Dietary Fiber 0g (0%)
• Sugar - 1.12g
• Protein - 12.58g
• Vitamin A 12%
• Vitamin C 0%
• Calcium 5%
• Iron 7%

Easter comes with hope, joy and warmth. It is a time to get together with family and friends. It is celebrated with great pomp and show denoting rebirth of Lord Jesus. Did you know as per stats, Americans spent more than $2 billion on Easter candies, last year accompanied with good reason. Let’s see the craze this year as well…

Wish you all a very Happy Easter!!