Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice

If there is one thing I adore, it is a whimsical cottage core aesthetic, and what better time to indulge than during Easter? We got to play around with colours, flowers, and my mom’s tea set for the most delicious spread from SPAR Gourmet at Zimbali Oasis. This spread was easy to put together and perfect for hosting family and friends, especially if it's last-minute and you need to whip up something sure to impress.

Oh, where do I even begin with this wonderful feast? Ah, yes, the appetisers.

Small Bites, Big Vibes

Entertaining doesn’t get easier than with SPAR’s Signature charcuterie spread. Everything is sliced, diced, and rolled; all you have to do is place it on a board, and voilà, you have a perfect platter. Offering an assortment of creamy cheeses: Mature and Smoked White Cheddar and Red Leicester, which has a slightly nutty flavour and is suitable for lacto-vegetarians. Add SPAR Gourmet’s artisanal relishes: Coriander & Jalapeño Pesto, Onion & Black Garlic Relish, and the Chilli Crunch, and this platter can easily turn into a wine and cheese tasting. But that’s not all, there are also beautiful rose-shaped chorizo rounds, crackers, and slices of multigrain bread with a trail mix, sweet strawberries, plump grapes, and a savoury cream cheese to complement them.

If you've never considered adding dumplings and sushi to your Easter lunch, this is your sign. Soft and juicy, these steamed dumplings are to die for, with chicken, beef, and kimchi fillings, accompanied by teriyaki sauce. Don’t put your chopsticks down yet – the sushi combos, served with soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi, strike the perfect balance of tenderness and tanginess, keeping you reaching for more.

Soul Food

In our spread, we included a stuffed beef fillet with mushroom and pepper sauce, and a grilled chicken with prawn thermidor sauce. Well-seasoned, succulent, and flavourful, these are just two of their many signature dishes! For the salad, their butternut and beetroot salad brings a pop of colour, paired with the salty tang of feta and the crunch of walnuts, adding a delightful contrast to the menu. In all honesty, you would feel like a master chef plating and bringing these out to your guests. SPAR Gourmet uses the freshest, high-quality ingredients to make their meals, and while they have ready-made meals, you can also order in advance for your gatherings. You do not want to miss this, especially during holidays.

Sweet Treats

Now for the main attraction, desserts! They left us speechless. Aesthetically pleasing, while adding a bit of fun, we had a fully decorated cake. But SPAR Gourmet also offers DIY bento cakes and Easter cookies, making it a fun family affair. Their Hot Cross Bun & Butter Pudding is a unique spin on the traditional dessert, topped with raisins and orange zest, which gives it a really lively infusion. SPAR Gourmet may be crafted for convenience, but it is also curated for those who savour life.

My team and I had the most fun setting up this table, from plating and decorating to shaping tea towels into bunnies, drawing on eggs, and later sharing stories around the table. We hope this feature inspires you to bring out your artistic flair, and that you, too, can enjoy your holiday with ease and merriment.

So, are you ready to make your Easter one to remember?

Special Thanks
A huge thank you to SPAR Gourmet Zimbali for helping us create this magical spread.

Website: www.spar.co.za