Preparing for Easter

1. What does Mark want to have for Easter?
2. What decorations does Sandra suggest?
3. What does Mark need to buy?
4. What food would he like?
5. What did he nearly forget?
6. How does Sandra like to paint eggs?
7. What would she put in the baskets?
8. Where is she going at Easter?
9. What is she looking forward to?

Transcript: 

Preparing for Easter 

Sandra: Hey Mark, have you started preparing for Easter yet?
Mark: Not really, what do I need to do?
S: Well, first of all, you should think about what you want to do for Easter. Do you want to have a big family gathering or just a small celebration with a few friends?
M: I think I’ll just have a small gathering with some friends.
S: Great, then you’ll need to start thinking about decorations. Painted Easter eggs and colourful baskets are always a hit. And don’t forget about the Easter bunny!
M: Oh right, I almost forgot about it. I’ll need to buy some chocolate eggs and maybe an Easter bunny costume.
S: That’s a good idea. And what about food? Do you want to have a traditional Easter feast or something more casual?
M: I think I’ll go for something casual. Maybe some ham and salads.
S: Sounds good to me. And don’t forget to hide some Easter eggs around the garden for your guests to find!
M: Oh, right. I almost forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me, Sandra. And speaking of Easter eggs, do you know how to paint them?
S: Yes, I do and I like using natural colours made from vegetables or fruits. It’s a fun activity to do with friends or family.
M: Yes, that does sound like fun. Maybe we can do it together.
S: That’s a great idea.
M: Do you have any suggestions for Easter basket fillers?
S: You could add some candy, small toys, or even some homemade cookies. And don’t forget to add a little Easter grass to the basket for decoration.
M: That really sounds perfect. Thanks for the suggestions, Sandra. Do you have any plans for Easter?
S: Yes, I’m going to visit my family. Easter is a wonderful time to spend with loved ones and create new memories. I’m looking forward to it this year again.
M: Have a great Easter, then!
S: Thanks, happy Easter to you too!

Key: 

Preparing for Easter

1. A small celebration (gathering) with friends.
2.Painted eggs and colourful baskets.
3.Chocolate eggs and a bunny costume.
4.Ham and some salads.
5.To hide (Easter) eggs around the garden for the guests.
6.With natural colours made from vegetables and fruits.
7.Candy, small toys, (homemade) cookies and some grass.
8.To visit her family.
9.To spend time with loved ones and create new memories.

Fun facts About April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day is a day of fun and laughter, celebrated around the world on 1st April. This day is full of ………. (1). It’s a day to show off your creativity and sense of humour. You may choose to trick someone or simply watch others have a good laugh; April Fools’ Day is a perfect excuse to have a good time.

In France they have a tradition where they stick ………. (2) on each other’s backs. They call it Poisson d’Avril, which translates to ‘April Fish’.

Also, ………. (3) had a holiday called Hilaria which was very similar to April Fools’ Day. This is when they played jokes on each other.

Some historians believe that April Fools’ Day started in 1582. During this year, France switched ………. (4). This meant that the start of their year used to be around 1st April, however it changed to 1st January, like it is today. Some people accidentally celebrated new year in April and were called ‘April fools’!

Others believe April Fools’ Day started on the first day of spring. They think it’s because during this time nature fools us ………. (5).

Lots of companies, radios and TV channels make April Fools jokes. One of the best April Fools jokes was in 1957 when a man called Richard Dimbleby made a ‘documentary’ about how they were ………. (6). This was on a BBC programme. People actually believed it and even phoned up to ask how they could grow their own!

source: funkidslive.com

key:1.D 2.E 3.A 4.B 5.H 6.C

Craving gnocchi with lamb, black risotto or zucchini pasta? You can order any of them at a Croatian restaurant where a robotic chef is able to rustle up about 70 different one-pot meals.

Its owners say they believe the BOTS&POTS Sci-Food bistro in Zagreb is the world’s only restaurant where ready-to-eat meals in a pot are made by robotic cookers with no human involvement other than loading the devices with fresh ingredients. The devices add oil and seasoning according to digital recipes made by a human chef.

In other similar restaurants, robots stir and fry chips and hamburgers, make pizzas or serve and deliver meals, but “there is no robot which makes a one-pot meal from fresh food,” according to restaurant co-owner Hrvoje Bujas.

It took seven years for Bujas’ partners to turn an idea into reality and open the restaurant last year, after investing over 1 million euros ($1.07 million). “It was indeed a challenge to make a ready-to-eat meal from fresh food in the shortest period of time as possible and as tasty as it can be,” Bujas told Reuters in the high-tech bistro.

The robotic chef called GammaChef is “taught” digitally how to cook a meal by the restaurant’s head chef, then remembers it and repeats it endlessly. Five robot cookers can each produce four meals in 15 minutes or nearly 100 meals in an hour, Bujas said, adding that one would cost 10,000 euros if it was for sale.

source: Reuters

The Early History of the Hungarian Flag

The history of the Hungarian flag can be traced back to the Middle Ages when Hungary was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. At that time, the Hungarian coat of arms was the main symbol of the country, and it was used on flags and other official documents.

However, during the 18th century, there was a growing movement among the Hungarian people to create a national flag that would represent their country and their culture. Several designs were proposed, but none of them was widely accepted.

The Design of the Hungarian Flag

It was not until the 19th century, during the Hungarian Revolution, that the tricolour design was finally chosen as the official flag of Hungary. The red, white, and green colours were chosen to symbolize the values of the revolution, including freedom, democracy, and national unity.

The Hungarian flag was first designed in 1848 during the Hungarian Revolution. It was inspired by the French tricolour flag, which was a symbol of freedom and democracy. The three colours of the Hungarian flag also have a symbolic meaning. The red stripe represents strength and bravery, the white stripe represents faithfulness and honesty, and the green stripe represents hope and the land.

The Early Years of the Hungarian Flag

After its creation in 1848 during the Hungarian Revolution, the Hungarian flag quickly became a symbol of the Hungarian people’s struggle for independence and freedom. It was used during the revolution to rally support and inspire the people to fight for their rights. However, after the revolution was crushed by the Austrians in 1849, the use of the Hungarian flag was banned. The flag then became a symbol of resistance against the oppressive regime.

The Return of the Hungarian Flag

In 1867, Hungary regained a certain degree of autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Hungarian flag was once again used alongside the official flag of the empire. The Hungarian flag was also used during World War I when Hungary fought alongside Germany and Austria-Hungary.

In 1918, after World War I, Hungary declared its independence and the tricolour flag was raised once again. However, this independence was short-lived. In 1919, the Hungarian Soviet Republic used a solid red banner instead of the Hungarian flag.

After the Treaty of Trianon was signed in 1920, Hungary lost two-thirds of its territory, and the country became a small landlocked state in the heart of Europe. The tricolour flag became a symbol of Hungarian nationalism and was used by the government to promote national unity and pride.

During World War II, Hungary was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1944 to 1945. After the fall of the fascist regime and the Soviet occupation of Hungary in 1945, the tricolour flag was once again used as the official flag of Hungary. However, after the communist takeover in 1949, the flag was changed to reflect the new regime.

The Modern Hungarian Flag

During the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against the communist government, the Hungarian people fought for their freedom and independence. The revolution was a historical event that marked the struggle of the Hungarian people against the Soviet Union’s control. Revolutionaries removed the Hammer and Wheat emblem and used the resulting tricolor with a hole in the middle as the symbol of the revolution. Unfortunately, the revolution was crushed by Soviet forces, and the use of the Hungarian flag was once again banned. It was a dark time for the Hungarian people as they were forced to live under the control of a foreign government. However, the Hungarian people never gave up their fight for independence. It wasn’t until the fall of communism in 1989 that the tricolour flag was once again raised and became the official flag of Hungary. Through their perseverance and determination, the Hungarian people were able to regain their freedom and independence after many years of struggle.

The Hungarian flag has a rich history that reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Hungarian people. From its creation during the revolution to its use as a symbol of resistance against oppression, the Hungarian flag has always represented the hopes and dreams of the Hungarian people. Today, it is a symbol of the country’s rich history and its struggle for independence, freedom, and democracy, and it continues to inspire the people of Hungary to fight for their rights and their future.

Scotch Eggs Covered in Hot Cross Bun Crumbs

makes: 6 large Scotch eggs
preparation: 30 min
chilling: 1 hour
cooking: 30 min

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs, cooked to your liking

for the mince:

• 300g lean beef mince
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 5ml (1t) freshly ground pepper
• 2,5ml (1⁄2t) salt
• 60ml (1⁄4c) oats

for the crumbs:

• 3x day-old hot cross buns
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) breadcrumbs
• 250ml (1c) flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 125ml (1⁄2c) milk

to finish:

• oil for deep-frying
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• herb salad of your choice

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a large baking sheet with non-stick spray.

1. Remove the eggshells and set the eggs aside.
2. Mince: Mix everything well, cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Crumbs: Use the coarse side of a grater to grate the hot cross buns. Mix with the breadcrumbs.
4. Carefully cover the eggs, one by one, in the mince mixture – the eggs must be completely covered in mince. Roll the egg-mince balls in the flour and carefully shake off any excess
5. Beat the eggs and milk together and dip the mince and egg balls in the egg mixture one by one. Then roll in the crumbs.
6. Arrange the crumbed balls on a plate and chill in the fridge for another 30 minutes.
7. To finish: In a pot or deep saucepan, heat enough oil for deep-frying. Fry the eggs in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towel, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the mince is cooked. Season with salt and pepper (if preferred) and serve the Scotch eggs with the herb salad.

Hot Cross Buns Stuffed with Curried Fish

serves: 4-6
preparation: 15 min
cooking: 30 min

Ingredients:

for the fish:

• 4 x 120g fish portions
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 125ml (1⁄2c) flour
• oil for shallow frying

for the curry:

• 15ml (1T) oil
• 3 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 30ml (2T) roasted masala
• 5ml (1t) turmeric
• 2,5ml (1⁄2t) each ground coriander and chilli powder
• 60ml (1⁄4c) chutney 1
• 5ml (1T) brown vinegar
• 60ml (1⁄4c) water
• 5ml (1t) cornflour, mixed with15ml (1T) water
• salt and freshly ground pepper

to finish:

• 6 hot cross buns
• fresh rocket (optional)

Preparation:

1. Fish: Cut the fish into cubes and season with salt and pepper. Roll the fish in the flour, then shake off any excess flour.
2. Heat enough oil for shallow-frying and fry the fish in batches until golden brown and cooked. Drain on paper towel and set aside.
3. Curry: Heat the oil in a deep pan or pot and stir-fry the onion until soft. Add the garlic, bay leaf and spices and fry for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chutney, vinegar and water and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the cornflour paste and stir until the mixture starts thickening. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the fish to the curry and heat. Set aside.
6. To finish: Cut the tops off the hot cross buns and hollow out the buns. Put a few rocket leaves in the buns (if using) and stuff with the curried fish. Replace the tops of the buns and serve immediately.

TIP: Make the curried fish a day or two in advance and keep in the fridge until needed. Heat before serving or serve chilled if preferred.

Sticky Spiced Hot Cross Buns

 makes: 20-24 small rolls
preparation: 15 min rising: 30 min
baking: 30-35 min

Ingredients:

• 1kg store-bought bread dough
• 5ml (1t) ground cinnamon
• 2,5ml (1⁄2t) mixed spice
• 125ml (1⁄2c) light brown sugar
• 250ml (1c) cream

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a rectangular oven-proof dish or tart tin with baking paper and grease with non-stick spray.

1. Break the dough into 20-24 pieces and roll into balls. Pack the rolls tightly together in the prepared dish or tin, cover with a moist cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
2. Mix the cinnamon, spice mix and sugar together and liberally sprinkle over the rolls. Put the dish or tin on the baking sheet.
3. Evenly pour the cream over the rolls and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked – the buns will be sticky at the bottom.
4. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Hot Cross Bun Puddings

serves: 6
preparation: 20 min
cooking: 30 min

Ingredients:

for the meringue:

• 375ml (11⁄2c) castor sugar
• 1ml (1⁄4t) cream of tartar
• 80ml(1⁄3c) cold water
• a pinch of salt
• 2 egg whites
• 5ml (1t) vanilla essence

for the puddings:

• 6 hot cross buns
• 30ml (2T) butter, melted

for the chocolate sauce:

• 50g dark chocolate, chopped
• 125ml (1/2c) cream

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a large baking sheet with non-stick spray. Keep a double boiler or a pot with a tight-fitting metal or glass bowl handy.

1. Meringue: Bring a little water to the boil in the double boiler or pot.
2. Put the bowl on top (the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water in the pot). Beat the ingredients for 7-10 minutes with an electric hand whisk until thick and smooth. Remove from the bowl or double boiler and set aside.
3. Puddings: Slice the top off the hot cross buns and hollow out the insides. Brush the buns with butter and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spoon the meringue into the hollow and on top of each roll and bake for 10-12 minute or until the meringue is golden brown and the rolls crispy at the edge.
5. Chocolate sauce: Put all the ingredients in a microwaveable mixing bowl or measuring jug and heat for 30 seconds. Stir well until the chocolate has completely melted. If not, heat for another 15-30 seconds.
6. To serve: Serve the buns on plates with the chocolate sauce to drizzle over.

1. The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Directed by Mel Gibson, this film depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life including his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. It’s a spectacularly filmed movie with lots of actors and epic scenes. It must have been an enormous challenge to play the role of Jesus. The actor who played Jesus, Jim Caviezel, suffered numerous injuries during the filming, including a dislocated shoulder, hypothermia, and lung infections. He also reportedly had a lightning strike near him during the Sermon on the Mount scene.

2. It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)

This animated classic from the Peanuts gang features Snoopy and Woodstock preparing for Easter, while the rest of the gang gets ready for a big egg hunt. This was the twelfth animated Peanuts special, and the fourth to be centered around a holiday. It was also the first Peanuts special to feature the character of Franklin.

3. Ben-Hur (1959)

The epic film features Charlton Heston as the titular character, a prince who becomes a slave and eventually encounters Jesus Christ. The film climaxes with a chariot race and the crucifixion of Jesus. The chariot race scene took five weeks to film and cost over $1 million to produce. The film won eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film’s massive sets were built on the backlot of the Cinecittà studios in Rome, and included a replica of the Roman Circus Maximus. The chariot race scene used over 15,000 extras and 78 horses.

4. Hop (2011)

This family-friendly comedy follows the Easter Bunny’s son, E.B., as he tries to become a rock star instead of taking over the family business. Along the way, he meets Fred, an out-of-work slacker who helps him pursue his dreams and save Easter. The film was produced by Illumination Entertainment, the same studio behind the Despicable Me and Minions franchises. The film’s Easter Island set was actually built on the backlot of Universal Studios in Hollywood. The set was inspired by the real-life Moai statues on Easter Island.

5. The Miracle Maker (2000)

This animated film tells the story of Jesus Christ’s life through the eyes of a young girl named Tamar. It uses a combination of stop-motion and hand-drawn animation to tell the story. The film was a joint production between the UK, Russia, and the United States. Its soundtrack includes songs by contemporary artists such as Neneh Cherry and Seal, as well as traditional hymns. Ralph Fiennes provides the voice of Jesus, while Ian Holm plays the role of Pontius Pilate.

6. Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Although not specifically an Easter film, this animated adventure features the Easter Bunny as one of the guardians protecting the children of the world. The film follows Jack Frost as he joins the guardians to stop the evil Pitch from plunging the world into darkness. In addition to the Easter Bunny, the film features other mythical characters such as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and Sandman. The voice cast includes Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, and Hugh Jackman who voices Bunnymund, an Easter-obsessed Australian rabbit.

7. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (2021)

This family film features Peter Rabbit and his friends on an adventure in the city, trying to stay out of trouble. When Peter’s mischievous ways get him into trouble, he must rely on his friends to help clear his name. The film is a sequel to the 2018 film Peter Rabbit, which was based on the classic children’s book by Beatrix Potter. The voice cast includes James Corden, Margot Robbie, and Elizabeth Debicki.

8. The Robe (1953)

This historical drama follows a Roman soldier who is tasked with crucifying Jesus Christ, and the events that follow. Marcellus wins Jesus’ robe in a game of dice and becomes haunted by the memory of his crime, leading him to seek redemption. The film’s costume designer, Charles LeMaire, won an Academy Award for his work on the film. The film was also notable for being the first to use the new stereo sound format known as “Cinemascope 55.”

9. The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)

This epic film covers the life and death of Jesus Christ, from his birth in Bethlehem to his resurrection. The film features an all-star cast, including Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, Sidney Poitier as Simon of Cyrene, and John Wayne as the centurion at the crucifixion. The film has a cameo appearance by director George Stevens, who plays a man in a crowd during the crucifixion scene. The film’s score was composed by legendary composer Alfred Newman.

10. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

This animated movie tells the story of the Book of Exodus in a very entertaining way. It follows Moses’s life and depicts the first Passover, a holiday which regularly overlaps with Easter. Moses’s deliverance of the Israelites out of slavery is often considered a biblical foreshadowing that parallels Jesus’s death and resurrection, making this movie a great pick for the Easter weekend.