Easter is right around the corner which means I’m beginning to make my dinner menu. I’m adding a few extra people to my dinner table this year and want to make sure I have more than enough food. Like that’s going to be a problem with so many Easter recipes to choose from!
“Pizza Chena (made with Italian meats, cheeses and eggs) is a staple on every Italian Easter dinner table,” reminisces Joanne Bellezza-Loughlin. “My mom or an aunt would make it every year. I never appreciated it as a child but I love it now.”
Heirloom recipes on holidays are wonderful. You bite into the meal and remember family and lovely memories. If you happen to have any Italian Easter Pie left over, it’is even better the second day!
I know some families may serve lamb on Easter, but in my family ham has always been the star of the meal. I’ve seen cola glaze before, but I love how Monica Keleher uses cherry cola in her Whiskey Wild Cherry Coke Glazed Ham.
“This ham is such an incredible hit in our house,” says Monica. The mix of cherry cola and whiskey make for an incredibly flavorful ham and a slight twist on my traditional recipe.
What holiday doesn’t include green bean casserole? Well, Lynn Socko has elevated this traditional recipe with her Fresh Green Bean Casserole. “This is freshness at it’s best,” shares Lynn.
When Honorary Kitchen Crew member Diane Hopson Smith took one look at this recipe, she knew she has to try it. “When I saw this recipe and it was fresh beans and no canned soup, I knew I would enjoy it,” Diane reviewed. “This is a beautiful, tasty casserole that I would be proud to display at any holiday meal.” I know this is being added to my meal!
You can never have too many side dishes (kind of like not having too many desserts!). Lou Kostura’s Sherry Balsamic Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Cindy McCallum’s Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon may make an appearance on my table.
“I tried something new with Brussels sprouts and this recipe hits it outta the park,” Lou shares. “I also added wild mushrooms to this for an even heartier side.” When Brussels sprouts are prepared how Lou does, everyone will fall in love with them. If you don’t have sherry balsamic, you can substitute regular balsamic vinegar. The results will still be superb and flavorful!
There’s not a thing in the world that could improve on Cindy’s creamy and satisfying recipe… except maybe adding even more bacon. “There is no better scalloped potatoes than these,” asserts Cindy. “[I] took them to a party and everyone asked for the family recipe.”
Your family will devour this dish. With the smokiness of the bacon and the creaminess of the potatoes, this is comfort food all the way.
Let’s not forget to end the meal with a couple of recipes that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
“We make these delicious Easter Knot Cookies every Easter,” explains Lisa Cancilla. “You can keep the icing white if you want, but we use food coloring to make the cookies all different pastel colors.” With a light, sweet anise flavor these cookies are delicious and the perfect way to end the meal.
Theresa Preece’s Brownie Cheesecake Swirl may not be a traditional Easter dessert, but how fun would this be on the table? “[This is a] super sweet and yummy dessert that you can change up with colors to celebrate whatever you want,” says Theresa. With lovely spring colors, this adds a nice pop of color to the dessert table. Such a great treat!
We know Easter isn’t just about the food. But, it is what gather’s everyone around the table. What’s on your Easter menu this year?