Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and gathering around the table with loved ones. It's a wonderful opportunity to incorporate the freshness of spring into your meals while keeping health and simplicity at the forefront. This year, elevate your Easter menu with three easy-to-make recipes that are not only nutritious but also bursting with flavour. From a delightful breakfast option to a light and refreshing snack and a hearty main course, these dishes are sure to impress your guests and cater to your wellness lifestyle.

Eggs-quisite Spring Asparagus Tart

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A drizzle of olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If it's very thick, lightly roll it out to thin it a bit.
• Arrange Asparagus: Lay the asparagus evenly across the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Add Cheese: Scatter the grated Parmesan over the asparagus.
• Bake Partway: Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the pastry starts to puff and turn golden around the edges.
• Add Eggs: Carefully crack the eggs onto the tart, spacing them out evenly. It helps to create small wells in the asparagus to hold the eggs in place.
• Finish Baking: Return to the oven for another 10-12 minutes, or just until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

Health Benefits:

This tart brings together nutrient-rich asparagus and protein-packed eggs, making it a balanced and healthy option. Asparagus is a great source of fibre, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E, while eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients, supporting overall health.

Spring Zing Lemon-Poppy Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dates, pitted
• 1/2 cup of almonds
• 1/2 cup of cashews
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend the dates, almonds, and cashews until they form a sticky mixture. Depending on the moisture content of your dates, you might need to add a tiny bit of water to help the mixture come together.
2. Add Flavour: To the mixture in the food processor, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. Pulse a few times to incorporate.
3. Shape the Balls: With clean hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 1 hour to set, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.

Health Benefits:

These energy balls are not only a delightful snack but also a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre from nuts and dates. Lemon zest provides vitamin C and aids in detoxification, while poppy seeds add a dose of minerals like calcium and magnesium, contributing to bone health and muscle function.

Dill-icious Honey Glazed Easter Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of dried dill or 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices and fresh dill for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Glaze the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fillet generously with the honey glaze.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook.

Health Benefits:

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health and reducing inflammation. Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness without the need for refined sugars, and dill offers a fresh flavour as well as a dose of antioxidants.

Easter is a time to rejoice in the abundance of life and the beauty of renewal. What better way to celebrate than with a table laden with dishes that are as nourishing as they are flavourful? These recipes are designed to bring ease to your holiday preparations while delivering on taste and health benefits. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a joyful, delicious, and healthful Easter celebration. May these recipes add a touch of simplicity and a burst of flavour to your holiday festivities.