Long lunches and evening feasts. Crafting with the kids and Easter egg hunts. Get-togethers both big and small. Easter is the perfect time to flex a little creative flair and celebrate with friends and family.

This Easter, we’ve called in dessert queen Therese Lum to give her favourite budget Easter recipes and table styling ideas. Earning an apron on MasterChef 2021, Therese isn’t afraid to experiment with bold flavours and colours, creating desserts that wow the eyes and the tastebuds.

Pastel Swirl Chocolate Bark

Add a burst of colour to the Easter table with this easy-to-make chocolate treat - the perfect family activity the kids will love to get involved in making.

Time to prepare - 20 mins

Serves - 12

Ingredients:

·         350g milk cooking chocolate, coarsely chopped

·         250g white cooking chocolate, coarsely chopped

·         A few drops of food colouring (2-3 pastel colours of your choice)

·         1 cup chocolate mini eggs, half of them crushed

·         Pastel-coloured sprinkles

·         Mini marshmallows or lollies of your choice.

Method:

1.   Line a large baking tray with baking paper and set aside.

2.   Crush half of the chocolate mini eggs and set aside.

3.   Place the milk chocolate into a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals. Remove the bowl at each interval and stir well. Repeat until the chocolate has completely melted. Stir until smooth.

4.   Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate in a separate microwaveable bowl. Divide the white chocolate into 2-3 separate small mixing bowls.

5.   Add food colouring to each bowl and mix until combined. To achieve the desired pastel shade, add a few drops of colouring at a time until the colour is correct.

6.   Spread the melted milk chocolate in a thin layer onto the prepared baking tray. Dollop the coloured white chocolate on top in alternating patterns. Use a spoon to swirl the milk and white chocolate together.

7.   Immediately arrange the whole and crushed chocolate eggs onto the swirled chocolate, pressing them down lightly. Fill in the gaps on the melted chocolate with coloured sprinkles and lollies of your choice.

8.   Let the chocolate set in the fridge for around 45 minutes.

9.   Cut the bark into pieces and enjoy!

Bunny-Style Filled Chocolate Eggs

Get crafty with the kids in the kitchen with these adorable and super simple to make Bunny-Style Filled Eggs. With creamy, fresh raspberries and crispy chocolate pieces this is sure to become an Easter family favourite.  

Time to prepare - 15 mins

Serves - 12

Ingredients:

·         1 dozen hollow chocolate eggs

·         1 punnet raspberries

·         ½ packet of 160g Clinkers, each cut in half length-ways for ears

·         Colourful sprinkles

·         190g (¾ cup) thickened cream

·         125g (½ cup) mascarpone cream

·         35g (⅓ cup) powdered sugar

·         ½ tsp vanilla paste

Method:

1.   Unwrap the chocolate eggs. Carefully cut 1cm from the top of each chocolate egg and reserve. Return eggs to plastic egg carton, open end up.

2.   Place a raspberry inside each egg and set aside.

3.   Add the mascarpone, thickened cream, vanilla, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk until soft peaks form, being careful not to over whisk.

4.   Spoon mixture into a snap-lock plastic bag and snip off one corner.

5.   Pipe the cream mixture into the eggs to the top. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

6.   Finely chop the reserved chocolate tops

7. Sprinkle the chocolate and colourful sprinkles on top of the cream filled eggs.

8.   Finish by adding the cut Clinkers to make bunny ears.

Easter Tablescape

All the action at Easter is centred around the table - so bring it to life in a creative and memorable way. With just a few materials, you can design your own stunning tablescape that will make your festive feast shine.

Step 1: Creating your Easter centrepiece

Things you’ll need:

·         Tall wire cake stand or egg holder

·         Easter eggs

·         Various Easter themed decorations (bunnies, chicks etc).

Method:

1.    First things first, grab your cake stand or egg holder - this will be the foundation for your masterpiece.

2.    Now, if you really want to make a statement, choose a taller stand - this will add some impact to your table setting. Trust us, your guests will be blown away!

3.    Next, it's time to get creative with the decorations. This is where the fun really begins! Fill the holder spaces with a mix of Easter eggs, flowers, and any other festive trinkets that catch your eye. Don't be afraid to mix and match different colours and textures.

4.    Once you've arranged everything to your liking, it's time to place your centrepiece in the centre of the table.

5.    Voila! You've just created a beautiful and personalised Easter centrepiece that is sure to impress everyone around the table.

Step 2 – Setting the table

Things you’ll need:

·         Fake foliage and flowers garland and wreaths

·         Napkin rings

·         Tumblers

·         Side plates

·         Cloth napkins

Method:

1.    Let's take bring some magic to your Easter table setting. To begin, grab some foliage (faux or fresh - your choice) and lay it lengthways down the middle of the table. This will create a beautiful base for your table decorations and add a touch of natural charm to your setting.

2.    Next, it's time to build out to the place settings. Start by stacking plates in different sizes to create a unique and visually appealing display.

3.    Lay a cloth napkin and along with an Easter-themed napkin ring on each place setting to tie everything together.

4.    Add some height to your table with your Easter centrepiece.

5.    Sprinkle some Easter-themed decorations around the table to really bring the festive spirit to life. Think colourful eggs, bunny figurines, or even mini baskets filled with treats.**

There you have it, a beautiful and personalised Easter table setting that is sure to impress your guests and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Now, all that's left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your Easter with your loved ones!