With a staycation the order of the day as we all ‘holiday at home’ this Easter, there’s no reason we can’t still have some fun and celebrate in style.
Here are five things you need for an isolation Easter spread. Plus read on for your chance to win two bottles of wine – the Grant Burge Sparkling Rose (RRP $29, pictured) and a St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz (RRP $47.99).
- Lots and lots of chocolate
Having lots of chocolate at Easter is a given, but if you’re looking to luxe up your chocolate this year, why not put in an order for some handcrafted brands like Koko Black and Noosa Chocolate Factory, or local makers such as Enigma, Jasper + Myrtle, and Robyn Rowe Chocolates. Tasty and beautiful in appearance!
2. Key foods
Whilst chocolate is an obvious choice, seafood is also a great alternative for an Easter lunch or afternoon spread. If you’re planning an Easter breakfast or brunch, you won’t regret buying pancake mix, eggs and bacon for a traditional style, or halloumi, tomatoes, avocado, spinach and some fresh local bakery bread for a healthier kick. If you are wanting to support your local café or restaurant, grab some coffees, freshly baked croissants and hot cross buns to take away. Yum!
3. Perfect wine and whisky pairings to go with all the chocolate you will eat!
They say music sets the tone, but some would argue that the food and wine does more! For a fun Easter activity, why not hold your own Easter whisky or wine tasting with different chocolates. We’ve done the hard part for you and have found the perfect pairs:
- Citrus infused White Chocolate paired with the Grant Burge PNC Sparkling Rosé (RRP $29)
The Grant Burge Sparkling Rosé pairs beautifully with a white chocolate and citrus infusion. This wine is rich and generous on the palate with a decadently creamy mouth-feel and balanced with a crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavours. When paired with a zesty white chocolate, these fruity notes are accentuated and the sparkling component of the wine acts as the perfect bubbly compliment, reminding us that this chocolate and wine combo is definitely worth celebrating.
- Dark Chocolate with Raspberries paired with the Petaluma White Label Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (RRP $29)
When searching for a wine to pair with a rich, decadent dark chocolate, look no further than the Petaluma White Label Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon. This medium bodied, elegant, dry red wine displays hints of mint, black berry fruit and cassis with supple tannins on the palate. These abundant berry essences are what pair so well with dark, rich chocolates and when raspberry or other berry flavours are also introduced it makes for deliciously indulgent wine and chocolate pairing.
- Milk Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel paired with Hardys HRB Pinot Noir (RRP $35)
As milk chocolate is usually sweet and creamy in structure, it often requires a light to medium bodied wine with ripe fruit character to create the ultimate pairing. Hardys HRB Pinot Noir is a great option given it’s juicy and full of ripe berries on the palate, has fine tannins, and a subtle oak finish. When paired with a milk chocolate with sea salt caramel, all the flavours combine to create a balance of creamy texture and poised acidity.
- Milk Chocolate Almond with Yarra Burn Vintage King Valley Prosecco (RRP $25.99)
Crafted with grapes from the King Valley, this Yarra Burn Prosecco has a vibrant and refreshing palate with enticing pear, peach skin and pistachio flavours. The Yarra Burn Vintage King Valley Prosecco pairs beautifully with almonds and when combined with the creamy rich texture of milk chocolate, the nutty flavours within the wine are highlighted, creating an indulgent match.
- Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa with Starward Nova Whisky (RRP $96)
Starward Nova is an award-winning single malt whisky that’s full of flavour. It’s smooth yet complex and works exceptionally well when paired with food. Whilst delectable on its own, chocolate is Nova’s perfect companion, in particular a full-bodied dark chocolate with 70% cocoa. The sweet and bitter flavours contrasted within this chocolate complement the whisky brilliantly, evoking a superior taste experience.
4. An Easter setting
To help spark the joy of Easter in the comfort of your own home, you can always create a beautiful table setting or decorate your living space to provide the look and feel of Easter. Some great ways to embellish style without leaving your home could be through picking flowers and greenery from your garden to create a centrepiece of your own. You can introduce elegance to your Easter feast through styling your table setting with some beautiful wine bottles too. Our top picks would be the Grant Burge PNC Sparkling Rosé or the Yarra Burn Vintage King Valley Prosecco,both of these sparkling varietals not only look pretty and festive, they also taste delicious! Another way to unleash your creativity is to paint hardboiled eggs to sprinkle around your table setting, providing an additional pop of colour to take your isolation Easter spread to the next level.
5. A vibrant and cheerful music playlist
Whether you’re living in your family home, in a share house with friends or spending Easter with your partner this year, one way to guarantee everyone has a cheerful and festive Easter is through music. Crafting a playlist is an artform of its own, so what better way than banding together with your household and ensure everyone’s chart toppers are included in creating the ultimate playlist for all to enjoy.
ENTER TO WIN
One lucky CW reader will win a two-bottle bundle of Grant Burge Sparkling Rose ($29) and St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz ($47.99). To enter, email [email protected] with ‘Isolation Easter spread’ in the subject field. Tell us your name, full contact details (including best delivery address) and what’s your favourite wine and chocolate pairing? Entries close 9am Thursday 16 April and winner drawn same day. Entrants must be aged 18+ years.
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