This week in the meetings that I’m doing I’m supposed to lead a discussion about spring-time eating occasions. What it’s really about, if you ask me, is Easter. Obviously, it’s not appropriate to pick out a religious holiday to discuss, given that religion is such a hot button topic. And while Passover is also an eating occasion, I’m guessing the number of chocolate bunnies, Easter eggs, and jelly beans sold in the next few weeks will pretty much dwarf sales of matzoh.

Now maybe there are other special foods that remind people of spring time and I’m just not thinking hard enough. I can think of plenty of summer, fall and winter foods easily enough. But spring? Hmmm.

Despite my childhood love of Easter candy, in my family there was never really any kind of “holiday meal” tradition associated with this season. So when I see all the stuff in the market or the candy counter, it doesn’t really call my name. I’m tempted, of course, just like I’m tempted whenever I see chocolate (!!!). But abstaining from it doesn’t make me feel deprived or anything.

So I look forward to learning about what this occasion means to people in terms of food challenges. Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two!