5 Traditional Easter Eats

Today is Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. The day is observed a week before one of the most important Christian observances, Easter Sunday. Christians worldwide will honor the resurrection of Christ by attending church followed by a multitude of cultural and family customs. Some will dye Easter eggs which go back to the Mesopotamians, who dyed them red in honor of the blood Jesus shed. Others will exchange baskets filled with treats and attend Easter egg hunts. Later in the day, it will be all about the food, whether it’s a single family or an entire village, Easter has become symbolic for spring feasts. Here is a look a 5 worldwide traditional dishes that are the pride of the country they represent.

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5. Poland is the most resilient of all the post-communist countries of Europe. It’s economy is thriving largely due to the increase of tourism. Travelers have many options; skiing the mountainous south, hanging out on pristine sandy beaches to the north, or visiting numerous museums throughout the country. The food scene is also booming with traditional foods including pierogis, kielbasa, numerous soups and salads, all slightly different based on the region you are visiting. Polish foods have evolved throughout the years, but one particular food remains unchanged: borscht.  Borscht has been a staple for centuries. White borscht or Zurek is a popular part of the Easter meal. White beets, soured rye flour, sausage, and hard-boiled eggs make for a hearty Easter eat.

4. The United Kingdom is one of my favorite places to travel. The historical sites and the scenery are spectacular.  I enjoy getting out of the large cities and visiting small hamlets in the Cotswold's, the Scottish Highlands, and Welsh castles. Dinner is always at the local pub. Plant yourself at any bar, booth, or table and you will soon be joined by locals welcoming you to their town. Irish folk music fills the room played by local musicians adding to this splendid experience. The food is always outstanding, meat pies, fish and chips, and pasties are the standard. During Easter hot cross buns is the dessert staple. These sweet, spiced buns are filled with currants or raisins. A cross-shaped glaze tops these treats to represent the crucifixion.

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3. The once politically corrupt nation of Argentina is enjoying a resurgence in its once thriving economy. The practice of religion, once forbidden, is growing as well. Nearly 80% of the population claim to be Christians. Lying south of the equator, the climate and seasons are opposite of ours. Enjoy temperate climates to the north or head south to Tierra del Fuego and visit the dapper dressed penguins. Argentina is one of the worlds largest agricultural producers and has numerous vineyards producing exceptional wines. Common meals include; empanadas, beef, sausages, and tortas. During Easter, Torta Pascualina or Easter Time Tart is enjoyed by all. It's filled with ricotta, spinach, artichoke, and hard-boiled eggs which represent the resurrection.

2. In the eastern Mediterranean, you’ll find one of the oldest countries in the world. Greece has a lot of historical sites and enjoys spectacular weather year round. Greece also has one of the largest Christian populations with 97% of the people claiming to be a part of the Greek Orthodox church. Athens is very densely populated and crowded. Traffic jams are some of the worst in the world so head out to do some village dwelling on the mainland or some island hopping on its seemingly countless islands. Enjoy local dishes like tzatziki, grilled octopus, and fresh fish baked with lemon, oregano, and mint. For Easter dinner, it’s all about lamb. The leg is rubbed with garlic and herbs and roasted on a spit. Lamb obviously representing Christ’s sacrifice.

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1. Finally, we head home to the United States, where over 240 million people claim the Christian faith as their preferred religion, the highest population in the world. Catholics, Evangelicals, Baptists, Methodists, and many other types of religious groups celebrate at churches throughout the country every Easter. It is estimated that there over 384,000 congregations in the U.S. From the largest mega-churches to the tiniest pew-lined chapels, more people will attend church on Easter Sunday than any other day of the year. Tables will include a multitude of foods for dinner, but the common Easter fixture is a honey glazed ham. The sweet, salty, and chewy texture is the best. What’s the spring connection with ham? Before refrigeration animals were slaughtered and cured, ready for consumption in the spring. Just in time for a great Easter eat.

Easter is known as a moveable holiday, meaning it doesn’t fall on the same calendar day each year. The date is determined by a simple formula. Once the vernal equinox occurs and you have the next full moon, Easter Sunday will follow that celestial event. The earliest day it can be observed is March 22 and April 25th is the latest, making this year's observance a bit late in the season, much warmer for outdoor activities and feasts. My family is pretty traditional by U.S. standards. The day will commence attending what I’m sure will be an incredible church service and message, followed by some amazing food, and culminating with another viewing of the now 5-hour long DeMille classic, “The 10 Commandments." Happy Easter Eats.