Easter is fast approaching and many of you are likely wondering when you’ll get to spend proper time with your families again. Some may be going a bit shack-happy, with kids off school and underfoot. Others may be scared; living in self-isolation because of a health issue or because of COVID-19 symptoms.

I must admit – I never envisioned writing my first Irish Country Living food editorial at the kitchen table, while my toddler eats “choccy pancakes” and watches Crybabies on YouTube.

The pages of this magazine have been put together with you in mind

But needs must; and when the Government put social distancing measures in place, the people of Ireland rallied around them. So even though we may not be spending this Easter season surrounded by friends and family, there is an element of pride that we can carry with us through the tough times. The pages of this magazine have been put together with you in mind. Whether you’re still feeding an army of small kids or you’re on your own this Easter, I’m so proud to say that the recipes for our Easter feast at home are adaptable to any situation. If it helps, they have also been “farmer-tested” and are guaranteed to please.

Our Easter brunch shoot at The Old Convent was completed several weeks ago, before any limitations came into effect. The brunch items created by chef Dermot Gannon and his wife Christine will add an element of glamour and indulgence to your Easter, if that’s what you’re looking for. However, most of the recipes are easily put together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.

Supporting local businesses during this time has become more important than ever before

They, like many other small business owners across Ireland, are currently closed and heavily concerned for the future. Supporting local businesses during this time has become more important than ever before, and with that in mind, we have included several pages featuring our wonderful Irish chefs and food businesses that will deliver their product (like our Irish chocolatiers) directly to your door.

We have also injected some fun for this Easter; including some kid-friendly recipes as demonstrated by Juniper Gannon who shows us how to make chocolate and peanut butter Easter nests, little peeper devilled eggs and Easter bark. If your children try any of our Easter recipes, do send in some photos. Feedback from our readers always puts a smile on our faces.

Wishing you a happy, healthy Easter holiday and a much better year ahead.