Easter is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a moment of inner balance, forgiveness, and a deep kind of love that brings people together. Everyone meets this holiday in their own way, with personal emotions and traditions. In an interview with N13, Lika Kvaratskhelia shares how she prepares for Easter. For her, it is a symbol of peace and family unity. She talks about childhood memories, the “secret” of the perfect traditional Easter bread, and the small rituals that make the day feel special.
Lika, Easter is one of the most important holidays worldwide. What emotions do you connect with this period, and what does your preparation look like?
For me, Easter has a very deep and spiritual meaning. It is a time that clearly shows how people can love and forgive each other. I think it’s important to look inside ourselves during this period, to share warmth and find inner harmony, both personally and with the world around us. Along with traditional family rituals, like dyeing eggs and baking traditional Easter bread, this holiday is connected to light, love, and a sense of a new beginning.
Do you have any family traditions for Easter that have stayed unchanged over the years?
I wouldn’t say my traditions are very unique. We usually celebrate in a traditional way, starting at church. We try to keep the fast, attend services, and on Easter day we spend time together at home, with family.
Your culinary talent is well known. When did you discover this passion, and how important is cooking in your daily life?
I became interested in cooking quite early, around the age of 12–13. Even though it’s not my profession and I never studied it professionally, the kitchen is a place where I relax. When I’m there, I don’t think about anything else, and it fills me with positive energy. Even when I come home tired, cooking helps me unwind. It became especially important when I became a mother. At that time, information was not easy to access, so I had to read a lot and search for ways to create a healthy and balanced diet for my children.
We have to ask about your Cottage cheese Easter bread. What is the main secret – precise ingredients, technique, or the emotion you put into it?
I’ve been baking Easter bread since childhood. My grandmother used to tell me that when you prepare the dough, the house should be completely quiet. Years later, I realized she was right. I always try to make the dough in a calm environment. Last year, we had many guests at home, and I had to bake in a noisy atmosphere – the dough didn’t turn out well. That’s when I understood how true her advice was. Paska dough is very delicate. Along with high-quality ingredients, the right technique is essential. For cottage cheese Easter bread, just like for kulich, I use the best products: farm eggs and high-fat cottage cheese with a rich taste.
We can agree that when setting the table, visuals are just as important as taste. What creates the main accent on an Easter table, and how do you keep it aesthetic?
I think the perfect accent for an Easter table is wheatgrass. I usually plant it about 10 days before the holiday so it grows fresh and green. Flowers are also essential – lilac blooms during this period and looks beautiful with colored eggs. I also love tulips. Easter is a holiday that looks best when it’s simple.
What colors and details do you prefer for Easter decorations this year?
The main color is always green. For tableware, I choose soft tones like pale yellow or light green. Along with traditional red eggs, I also like to use different color variations.
You are now a grandmother and spend a lot of time with your grandchildren. How has that changed your holiday emotions, and do they help you with preparations?
When there are kids at home, everything becomes more joyful. We try to act like children with them. They bring a special energy to every holiday. No matter how many eggs I dye, they all get cracked the same day – and it’s actually a very fun process. They help with dyeing eggs too, even if the kitchen gets messy. It’s still a lot of fun.
From your culinary blog, it’s clear you are detail-oriented. Is there any element without which you feel the Easter table is incomplete?
Easter is much more than a table or decoration. Even if I’m not at home, the holiday still exists for me, and nothing can change that. It is such a meaningful moment that extra details are not essential. What matters most is spending Easter night in church, reflecting on myself, and trying to become a person who gives more love and leaves kindness behind. I meet this day with faith, gratitude, and the belief that good always wins over evil, and life over death. No missing detail on the table can replace that feeling.
Interview: Mariam Bekauri
