Written by Food, Travel & Lifestyle Creator Jacqui Toumbas @jacquitoumbas
This season, we've partnered with Brisbane-born Australian nutritionist & content creator, Jacqui Toumbas. Jacqui loves wholesome foods, curating unforgettable events, exploring her culture and heritage, and opening up dialogues and conversations with some pretty incredible people. All of this done from the kitchen, over a love for cooking and food.
Celebrating Easter is incredibly important to me. Being Cypriot, my family places a strong emphasis on our faith, and coming together on this special day is a tradition we hold close to our hearts. Easter is more than just a holiday; it's a time to reconnect, reflect, and share moments with the people we love most.
Our Easter feast revolves around my uncle’s legendary souvla, tender, flavourful meat slowly cooked over a spit fire, and an abundance of delicious sides, from vibrant salads to warm, hearty breads. By the end of the meal, everyone eagerly awaits dessert, which is always a crowd favourite. We’re not a small family by any means! With around 30 adults and 11 children gathering together, it may seem daunting to some, but for me, it’s pure joy. The sound of kids laughing, adults chatting around the table, and the smells of food filling the air create a magical atmosphere.
These gatherings are the moments that stay with me, shaping my love for food, family, and meaningful connection. Easter is about more than just the feast; it’s about creating and sharing memories that last a lifetime.
Create a Beautiful Easter Tablescape
One of the things I love about hosting Easter is setting the scene for the day. A thoughtfully curated tablescape creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, bringing everyone together. I start with a pastel or floral base to reflect the season. This year, I’m loving the pastel green stripe tablecloth from Adairs as a foundation. For a cohesive look, I pair it with frill green stripe plates, also from Adairs.
Next, I add soft cotton pastel napkins from Bed Bath 'n' Table, which bring in a gentle touch of colour. For a hint of elegance, cream stone napkin rings from Myer complete the place settings. Fresh flowers, like daisies or tulips, are the perfect finishing touch, tying everything together and creating a welcoming, festive vibe.
Creating a space that feels special makes every guest feel valued, which is exactly the atmosphere I want when we all sit down to share a meal.
Fun for the Kids
With 11 children running around during our family gatherings, keeping them entertained is always a priority! I like to set up a few activities to keep their little hands busy and their creativity flowing. One of the special traditions in Greek Orthodox culture is dyeing eggs red, which symbolises life and renewal. These eggs are used in a game called tsougrisma (egg cracking), where each person taps their egg against another’s to see whose will stay unbroken. The kids absolutely love it!
Alongside this tradition, I also set up fun creative activities:
• Biscuit Decorating: I bake Easter-shaped biscuits ahead of time, then set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles.
• Easter Egg Cupcakes: The kids decorate cupcakes, topping them with mini chocolate eggs and colourful sprinkles.
These activities bring a joyful mix of tradition and creativity, keeping the little ones engaged and making the day truly special for everyone.
If you're after gifting ideas this Easter, here are some of my top picks to treat the kids.
Easter Recipes: Family Favourites
Easter wouldn’t be the same without food that brings everyone together. While souvla is the star of our family feast, dessert is where things get really exciting. This year, I’m sharing a recipe for a Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu, a fun twist on a classic that combines two beloved flavours. Layers of rich mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and spiced hot cross buns make it irresistible.
For something savoury, I recommend Roasted Baby Carrots with Honey and Thyme. They’re simple yet full of flavour, perfect for balancing heavier mains like lamb or roast chicken. They’re also quick to make, which is crucial when you’re entertaining a large group.
Both recipes are easy to prepare but guaranteed to impress your guests. Easter is all about connection and joy, and these dishes are meant to reflect just that.
Recipes
Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu (Traditional Mascarpone Cream)
Ingredients:
• 6 hot cross buns (traditional or chocolate)
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 250g mascarpone
• 100g caster sugar
• 2 shots (or ½ cup) espresso, cooled
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
• 100g dark chocolate
• 150ml thickened cream (for chocolate sauce)
For garnish (optional):
Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder
Method:
1. Prepare the hot cross buns:
Slice the hot cross buns in half horizontally. Cut each half into large chunks for layering.
2. Make the mascarpone cream:
Separate the eggs. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half the caster sugar until pale and creamy.
Add the mascarpone to the egg yolk mixture and gently fold until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually adding the remaining sugar.
Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
For the egg-free cream alternative, whip the thickened cream with sugar and fold in the mascarpone until smooth.
3. Coffee soak:
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur (if using). Lightly dip the hot cross bun pieces into the coffee mixture—don't let them get too soggy.
4. Layer the tiramisu:
In a serving dish, spread a layer of the mascarpone cream on the base. Add a layer of coffee-soaked hot cross bun pieces. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of mascarpone cream.
5. Make the chocolate sauce:
In a small saucepan, gently heat the dark chocolate and thickened cream over low heat until melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling over the tiramisu.
6. Chill and serve:
Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set and let the flavours develop. Before serving, drizzle with the chocolate sauce and garnish with shaved chocolate or cocoa powder.
Roasted Baby Carrots with Sage Butter and Yoghurt Base
Ingredients:
• 1kg baby carrots (with tops trimmed, if preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional for extra warmth)
For the yoghurt base:
• 1 cup thick Greek yoghurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
For the sage butter:
• 50g unsalted butter
• A handful of fresh sage leaves
• Salt to taste
Method:
1. Roast the carrots:
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Toss the baby carrots in olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Arrange on a baking tray in a single layer.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
2. Prepare the yoghurt base:
In a bowl, whisk the Greek yoghurt with lemon juice and salt until smooth. Spread the yoghurt evenly on a serving platter.
3. Make the sage butter:
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter turns golden brown and the leaves become crisp. Remove the pan from heat and season with a pinch of salt.
4. Assemble the dish:
Place the roasted carrots on top of the yoghurt base. Drizzle the sage butter over the carrots, letting some of the butter seep into the yoghurt.
Scatter the crispy sage leaves on top for a finishing touch.
5.Serve:
Serve warm as a side dish, perfect alongside roast lamb, chicken, or other Easter mains.