HOLY, HOT CROSS BUNS!
What would Easter be without
hot cross buns, the food item that is as traditionally associated with the holiday as chocolate bunnies and coloured eggs, but with more religious justification. At least the
historic sweet bun, filled with currants and leavened with yeast, displays a characteristic cross on its top crust as a symbol of the crucifixion.
But considering the usual insiped samples available in supermarket bakeries this week, the challenge is where to find the real ones, without going to the trouble of baking them yourself, of course.
Sweet Obsession Cakes and Pastries on West 16th Avenue comes to the rescue with their seasonal spin version of
hot crossed brioche, available all Easter weekend in the display case, and by advance order for those in need of large quantities for holiday entertaining at home. For advance orders call 604-739-0555, extension 2.
Also in the case is another item that is only available by special order from March 21 to 23, Sweet Obsession’s Fruit Cream Cake. The light and airy confection assembled from delicate layers of vanilla chiffon, fresh fruits, pastry cream and a hint of Grand Marnier makes a perfect finale to any Easter meal.
But If cooking all Easter weekend is not your particular slice of ham, you could also consider dropping into
Trafalgar's located next door. The bistro will be open Good Friday through Easter Monday serving a daytime menu of brunch favourites such as poached eggs and hollandaise on potato latke, and smoked Sockeye salmon and scrambled egg bombe. Or consider the Irish/Italian inspired lunch items such as crock pot lamb shoulder shepherd's pie, wild Coho salmon on foccacia crostini, or grilled vegetable and smoked bocconcini lasagna.
Brunch and lunch are on the go daily at Trafalgar's from 10 am to 4 pm through the Easter holidays, but they will be closed for dinner on Easter Sunday. For reservations, call 604-739-0555, extension 1. or book through www.opentable.com.
ADDED: Cate Simpson also recommends the traditional hot cross buns for sale at
Calabria Bakery (at 5000 Victoria Drive between 34th and 35th.)
