14 delicious dishes to make for Easter

In Malaysia, Easter - unlike Christmas - is an occasion normally celebrated just within the family. For Christians, it represents not just a celebration of the resurrection of Christ but also a release from the abstinence of Lent, which lasts for 40 days.

Hot cross buns and roast lamb are traditional Easter foods in countries like the US and Britain, but we've thrown some local dishes into the mix as well for the April 20 menu. Make all the dishes - although 14 may be a little to much to handle! - or choose only the ones you like. These recipes are all from the Lifestyle Recipes section.

Meat eaters have a choice of chicken, lamb and beef.

1. Roasted Chicken With Guinness Butter

Guinness isn't restricted to St Patrick's Day. It's combined with butter here to serve with a simple roast chicken. Click here for the recipe.

2. Grilled Herbed Lamb Cutlets

Lamb is the traditional meat served during Easter. You don't need to use a whole joint - cutlets are easier to serve. Click here for the recipe.

3. Beef Rendang

Beef Rendang may be associated with Hari Raya, but this dish is popular with many Malaysians. Click here for a recipe from singer/actor Datuk Fazley Yaakob.

4. Wild Mushroom And Leek Quiche

You may have noticed that there's no fish on our menu. Well, it's suppose to be a food for Lent when many people go meatless. But we didn't forget the vegetarians in the family. A quiche is a good option - it can be packed with all kinds of delicious vegetables and mushrooms, like the recipe here.

And for those who cannot do without their rice and noodles...

5. Tossed Kerabu Beehoon

This salad includes delicious edamame beans. Click here for the recipe.

6. Asian-seared Beef Salad With Noodles

For a beef salad, try Asian-seared Beef Salad With Noodles. Click here for the recipe.

7. Nasi Kerabu

If you don't mind doing a little more work on a dish, you could try making a blue-tinged Nasi Kerabu. Click here for a recipe.

8. Devilled Eggs

Eggs and rabbits are associated with Easter. Said to have originated in Germany, the Osterhase was - bizarrely - an egg-laying hare. So for an appetiser, you could always serve Devilled Eggs. Click here for a recipe with mashed potatoes.

9. Easter Bunny Buns

As for the rabbit, well, it comes in the form of Easter Bunny Buns. We assure you no rabbits were harmed in the making of these buns. Click here for the recipe.

Many countries have special breads for Easter, which usually symbolise an element of Christianity. For example, Greece has tsoureki, a three-plait twist decorated with hard-boiled eggs in their coloured shells, while people in Eastern European countries make sweet, braided loaves often filled with nuts and dried fruit or cinnamon sugar.

10. Pina Colada Carrot Cake

For those who prefer cake, we offer a recipe for one made with "rabbit food" - carrots. Click here for Pina Colada Carrot Cake recipe.

11. Chocolate Coffee Dacquoise

But how could we not have chocolate? Impress your family with a Chocolate Coffee Dacquoise - nutty meringue layers sandwiched with chocolate ganache and cream. Click here for the recipe.

12. Chocolate Avocado Cake

If you want sneak fruit into diet without giving up sweets, this eggless Chocolate Avocado Cake is the one for you. Don't worry, the avocado adds moistness but you won't be able to taste it. Click here for the recipe.

13. Lean Chee Kang

A dessert that is perfect for our climate is lean chee kang. It's a food court standard, but can easily be prepared at home. Click here for the recipe.

14. Fruit Punch

But if all you feel capable of is pouring boxes of ready-made items together into a large bowl, there's always this refreshing punch. Click here for the recipe.