5 Things We Love: Easter edition

Turn all your peeps onto Peeps

Peeps are an annual Easter indulgence in my household. The colorful, sugary marshmallow treats are perfect for decorating cupcakes and other desserts, and are tasty on their own. New this Easter are Peeps Rainbow Pops on a stick. For recipe ideas visit www.marshmallowpeeps.com.

— Nancy Arcayna

Popular, even elusive, macaron beats the bunnies

Let the little ones have their chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. Adults can indulge a sweet tooth with a more grownup confection, the macaron — if there are any left. There’s never a macaron around when you have a craving. A stop at Fendu Boulangerie in Manoa Marketplace revealed it is a once-in-a-while treat. Call ahead to check (988-4310).

Over at La Palme d’Or at Ala Moana Center, it’s available through special order, with a minimum of 20 pieces running $2.50 each. In a pinch, you can order one of their other confections topped with a minimacaron (941-6161).

The only place that can be counted on to stock macarons regularly is La Tour Cafe at 888 N. Nimitz Highway (697-5000). They have an abundance of flavors, ranging from classic strawberry and chocolate, to guava, matcha green tea and my new favorite, yuzu.

Though not nearly as light and airy as those you’d get at Ladurée in Paris, for $1.85 each you can gather them up in all their assorted pastel glory, worthy of any Easter basket.

— Nadine Kam

Americana hens lay blue eggs, naturally

Nature’s colors prove serendipitous during Easter season if one has access to Americana hens, which lay blue-tinted eggs without the assistance of chemical additives, dyes or special feed, and mostly during spring and summer when the days are longer. Ka Lei Eggs’ Lois Shimabukuro raises three such hens in her backyard as pets, and right around Easter time she collects the blue treasures to sell at her Kaimuki store: 40 cents for a medium egg, 50 cents for large ones. She hopes to have “a small, consistent inventory,” but, of course, it all depends on the hens. Stop by Ka Lei Marketplace, 3585 Waialae Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays; 737-7665.

— Joleen Oshiro

Soap dispenser helps celebrate high holiday

It’s easy to do holiday soap dispensers at Christmastime, but Bath & Body Works at Ala Moana Center finds ways to make each season feel fresh. My favorite this spring is a soap dispenser shaped to look like a hatching chick. The chicks come in a variety of colors and scents ($8 for 8 ounces) and the rubber egg base gives the dispensers solid footing on your counter so they don’t go rolling away.

— Donica Kaneshiro

Lilies of the Valley Isle benefit Easter Seals work

Long ago, when I was young and idealistic, I was a volunteer for Easter Seals. Took kids on field trips, helped with summer camp, asked strangers for money during fund drives. I will always have a soft spot for this group and this is the season for me to act on it.

Through Sunday, Foodland and Sack N Save stores are selling Easter lilies grown on Maui at Howard’s Nurseries in Kula. They cost $8.99, for which you get a towering plant with many blooms and buds, and Easter Seals gets $1.

Compare this with lilies in other shops and you’ll see you’re getting a great deal. Plus you’re buying local and supporting a worthy charity that helps those with disabilities and special needs.

— Betty Shimabukuro