Easter Treats: Recipes and Crafts for the Whole Family

Look no further for entertaining Easter ideas! From tasty recipes for a gourmet dinner to silly and simple crafts with the kids, you'll find the variety in Easter Treats most pleasing. Each recipe includes a lovely color photo of the finished project, as well as an ingredients list and, where appropriate, illustrated steps or traceable stencils. Party-favor ideas range from sturdy paper candy cones to simple jellybean bags, while more kid-friendly ideas include adorable bunny finger puppets and fuzzy pom-pom chicks.

Mouthwatering recipes include Red Potato Strudel, classic Hot Cross Buns, Grilled Asparagus Risotto, and for a hilarious centerpiece, a 3-D Easter Bunny Cake, complete with marshmallow cheeks and floppy fondant ears. Variations on the classic Easter egg are gorgeous--decorative touches include ribbons, origami paper, and intense colors made from paste food colorings--the deep-blue eggs with glittery stars are simply beautiful, and quite different from the traditional springtime palette. While no craft is extremely difficult, beginners should be sure to freely make use of the hints included for how to make projects "child-friendly"--this also translates to "novice-adult friendly." Author Jill O'Connor emphasizes fun over artistic perfection and she makes it easy to enjoy yourself, with thorough instructions, fresh ideas, and an easygoing presentation. --Jill Lightner