The Commonwealth Hotel Roma: March 2013

Monday, 25 March 2013

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Easter Saturday in Roma

Easter Saturday is between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Australia. It falls in the middle of a four-day weekend for many Australians, which is a popular time for short vacations.

Background

In Australia, the day before Easter Sunday is a holiday known as Easter Saturday. However, in church terms, the day before Easter Sunday is properly known as Holy Saturday. It is also sometimes known as Easter Eve or Low Saturday. On this day, the period that Jesus spent in his tomb is remembered. The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. In Catholic churches, no masses are said and Holy Communion is only given as Viaticum. This is administered to someone, who is about to die.

In Roma

We have the Easter in the Country festival. The festival is in its 36^th year. Easter in the Country is a proud tradition. It is Roma’s signature family event of the year.

The festival includes events and activities to suit the whole community. With an array of sporting events, quality entertainment and cultural activities, it is an event not to be missed.

For program details, please go to www.easterinthecountry.com.au

The Commonwealth Hotel is presenting lots of sweet treats this Easter Long Weekend!

Friday 29th March – CLOSED – GOOD FRIDAY.

Saturday 30th March – Open to 2am

Visit from the Easter Bunny in Bistro 75 from 12 Noon.

Jamahl & Supercharge Slinky on stage with a Live Entertainment Double Header energizing the dance floor from 5pm to 1am.

Sunday 31st March – Open to Midnight

Visit from the Easter Bunny in Bistro 75 from 12 Noon.

Free Pool All Day.

Simone Smith sweetening your Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 8pm.

Monday 1st April – Open to Midnight

Win a 1 of 2 Easter Hampers. Drawn at 2:30pm and 8:30pm.

So if in Roma, Hop along and enjoy The Commonwealth Hotel this Easter Long weekend!

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

Good Friday & Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Good Friday is a religious and national holiday in Australia, and is held on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

What do people do?

In Australia, Good Friday is the start of a four-day weekend and falls during the Easter school holidays. Many people take a short vacation around this time, often within Australia. Others take the opportunity to spend time with their family or friends.

Traditionally, people eat hot cross buns on Good Friday. These are small, bread-like buns flavored with spices and raisins or currants. Some modern recipes add cocoa to the the dough and replace the dried fruit with chocolate chips. All hot cross buns are marked on the top with a cross. The cross is sometimes cut into the top of the bun and sometimes made with a different, paler dough. Some people eat hot cross buns just as they are and others split them in half, toast them, spread them with butter, jam or cream and eat them warm.

Hot Cross Bun Recipe

Ingredients

2 x 8g sachets dried yeast

1 1/4 cups (310ml) milk, warmed

1/4 cup (60g) caster sugar

4 cups (600g) plain flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground mixed spice

1 tsp salt

60g butter

1/2 cup sultanas

1/2 cup dried cranberries (craisins)

2 eggs

1/3 cup (50g) self-raising flour

apricot jam, warmed and sieved, for brushing

Method

Step 1: Soak dried fruit in boiling water for an hour

Step 2: Whisk yeast, milk and caster sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Sift plain flour with cinnamon, mixed spice and salt into a large bowl. Use your fingertips to rub in butter.

Step 4: Stir in sultanas, cranberries (craisins), eggs and yeast mixture. Turn dough onto floured surface. Knead for 10 mins. Put in large greased bowl. Cover. Leave in warm spot for 3/4 hour.

Step 5: Punch the dough down. Knead until smooth. Shape into 12 balls. Put into 30cm x 20cm greased baking tray. Set aside 1/4 hour.

Step 6 :Preheat oven to 200°C. Combine self-raising flour and 1/4 cup (60ml) water. Pipe crosses onto the buns. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Reduce oven temperature to 180°C and bake for a further 15 minutes. Brush buns while warm with jam.