Though April showers may come your way, they bring the flowers that bloom in May. There is optimism for new beginnings and lighter hearts, as our fancy turns to wine and chocolate, Easter bunnies and a search for joy in small things that we can no longer take for granted. Hanging out with friends and celebrating Easter and Passover with our families is foremost in our minds. Always on the lookout for new and interesting items that can bring a “wow” to our table, here is my list of lovely spring surprises.
Gancia Prosecco
In Spring, our thoughts turn to Prosecco. Gancia, the proud producer of Italy’s first sparkling wine with 170 years of wine-making expertise, has aimed to delight our senses with the ultimate sparkling wine experience. A true expression of Italian lifestyle and celebrations, the company was founded in 1850 by Carlo Gancia. This Prosecco has a delicate taste, with aromas of green apple, orange and lemon. It is actually the perfect aperitif, the base or a Bellini, or as an accompaniment to any food. Close your eyes, take a sip, and be transported to Tuscanny
Gancia Bellini
- 3 oz. Gancia Prosecco DOC
- 1.5 oz. Peach Puree
- Garnish: Peach slice
- Peel peaches, slice in half, remove pit
- Place in food processor and blend to puree
- Pour puree into Champagne flute
- Top with Gancia Prosecco DOC
- Garnish with peach slice
Purdys
To most of us, Easter chocolate means Purdy’s. What have they come up with this year? Chocolate bunnies in milk and white chocolate, wrapped chocolate eggs, and enough variety to please the fussiest member of your family. Always community-minded, this year, they have a “Braille menu” in their specifically marked boxes. Those without vision can have the joy of personally choosing the chocolate they fancy. Purdys has also given philanthropic support, and an exciting Easter Egg Lookout Hunt to the Children’s Ward of the Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver. Check out the Purdys Easter Egg Lookout video here.
Jelly Belly
Jelly Bellies are the favorite snack of millions, and have graduated into the cocktail lounge of our lives. Flavours of Champagne, Gin and Tonic and Champagne Bubbles are adult flavours, so you can be secure in leaving them out—the kids will probably not enjoy the taste. (They do not contain alcohol.) Serve them on their own, or as a frivolous companion to your cocktail snacks. Purchase them from Suckers Candy: 416-245-4200
Ravioli for Easter
Easter egg colored ravioli will be the piece de resistance at your dining table. Bring them to the table and you will hear ooh’s and aah’s. “I’ll have a blue one and a yellow one, please;” and “I would like only pink and green ravioli please.” Enough colors and choices for everyone to enjoy. Have a bowl of grated Parmigiano Reggiano handy to sprinkle on top. The ingredients are what we have come to expect from Continental Noodles, a three-generation family-owned business since 1967. Pasta: Durum semolina, eggs, water, salt. Filling: Ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, natural flavours, colour (turmeric, carrot, spinach, beet), food colouring. Everything good.
