Early Eastertide
Was I ever feeling the spring vibes this year as there was not a drop of snow on the ground for months. Living on Vancouver Island means we get to enjoy an early spring with flowers starting to bloom in March. This holiday, I was totally feeling the Eastertide well before it arrived. This season, I was dreaming of citrus fruits, florals and green foliage. So I created two delicious citrus pies and filled the dinner table with gorgeous fresh flowers and greenery.
For starters these pies are not only vegan but gluten free. Since the new year, I have been restricting gluten more and more and find my stomach seems to appreciate it. So I wanted to create my favourite pies gluten free. When it comes to food nothing says spring more than Key Lime Pie and Lemon Tart. These recipes have a zesty taste, especially the lemon tart. It will make you pucker for more. There are no dyes or food colouring in either pies. Both are made with all natural ingredients. To get that beautiful yellow in the lemon tart, I used a little bit of turmeric which has the added health benefits known to the colourful root. If you like green coloured key lime pies, feel free to add a 1/4 t of matcha tea to the recipe. I prefer a creamy white key lime pie with visible key lime zest.
The chocolate cake was an adequate pairing for this Easter holiday, as it is all about the chocolate bunny indulgences. I struggled to find some good quality vegan chocolate Easter bunnies on the Island, so I decided to get my chocolate fix with a cake. Yes, this rich double chocolate cake will totally suvice. For the batter, I used real melted chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder to give it that rich chocolate taste. I suggest covering this cake after making it and letting it sit out on the counter for 1 hour before serving. Especially if you plan on chilling it before dishing out a slice…or two or three lol.
For the spring table decor, I wanted to bring the outdoors blooms indoors to create a picnic vibe, like being at a botanical garden while enjoying Easter dinner. The large green cabbages at the centerpiece make me think of planting and gardening. People here on the island are already planting their garden seeds and in just a couple of weeks the farmer markets will be in full swing. One of my favourite things to do is shopping at the local farmer markets. At our new home on the Island, we are ready to begin planting the seeds in the garden. Cabbage will definitely be one of them. Hope you enjoy this special time of year with family and get to enjoy these easy to make spring recipes for years to come.
Happy Easter
XO Tammy
