"It's the spice mixture that gives the hot cross buns their really distinctive flavor," Ree explains of her yeast-based buns. For her that means a fragrant mixture of cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and allspice, as she says, "You really taste it in the buns."

Use plastic Easter egg molds to shape gooey crispy rice treats into two-bite egg treats.

Create the ultimate appetizer platter using what Ree calls "a pretty-handled Easter basket." She piles a mix of fresh veggies — think blanched asparagus, crisp radishes and vibrant bell peppers — into the basket alongside a creamy spinach dip for easy dipping.

The addition of the spiced honey, gently infused with star anise and fresh thyme, lends a subtle floral flavor to Ree's fast-fix fruit salad.