Is Easter sneaking up on you? With it being early this year (March 27th in case you don’t know), I keep hearing people ask how it’s almost Easter already.
This year I’m actually not preparing dinner. The torch is being passed to my niece. She and her husband just bought their first house and wanted to host the meal. Of course, I have to give my suggestions on what to cook.
Easter, in my eyes, isn’t complete without deviled eggs. Eva Marion’s (Bradley, IL) Mama’s Deviled Eggs are a favorite. “This recipe is one my mom taught me years ago,” shares Eva. “[They’re] not your standard deviled eggs, but they are a huge hit with the family.”
Eva has a secret ingredient she adds that adds a smokiness to these eggs and really makes them stand out. It’s bacon, but shhh don’t tell anyone! Guests are going to enjoy these.
Everyone will love the delightful mix of sweet and savory in Monica H.’s (Michigan City, IN) Boursin n Grape Bruschetta. “The combined taste of grapes and Boursin is divine,” thinks Monica. “I purposely left out the basil in this bruschetta because I did not want to overpower the flavor of the cheese.”
If you’re not familiar with Boursin cheese, it’s a soft, spreadable cheese packed with garlic and herbs. It’s a nice base for all the goodies that Monica adds to the baguette – red grapes, tomato, onion, and cucumber. Yummy! This is definitely not ordinary bruschetta, but oh so good.
I can be a traditionalist for some parts of the meal, which is why I love Dori Rominger’s (Springfield, MO) Glazed Ham recipe. “I make this for my family every year at Easter and they just love it,” explains Dori.
Dori’s recipe is classic. It reminds me of the holiday hams I grew up eating. With a great taste and lovely presentation, it’s perfect for Easter Sunday. It’s easy enough to prepare too that the guests (and side dishes) won’t feel neglected.
Green bean casserole is a staple side dish at my holiday table. One I just tried that’s packed with flavor is Ashley Burnam’s (Phoenix, AZ) Delectable Bacon & Mushroom Green Bean Casserole. “This recipe is definitely for a group and even those who don’t like green bean casserole loved it,” says Ashley.
Ashley uses fresh green beans which really elevates this side dish. Having the bacon and French fried onions mixed into the casserole and then adding the other half with the Parmesan cheese at the end adds so much flavor.
Mashed potatoes are always welcome at my holiday feast, and the simple addition of sour cream to Judy Sprague’s (Florence, KY) Creamy Mashed Potatoes really knocked my socks off.
“This is a quick easy recipe that enhances any meal,” shares Judy. Seriously with only four ingredients even a beginner cook can make these. Plus you can make these a day ahead and heat up on Easter. Make ahead dishes at the holiday are always key.
Next week I’ll spotlight Easter dessert recipes. Since I am not cooking, the least I can do is a bring a dessert or two. Because no matter how full we are, there’s always room for dessert. Right? Happy Pinching!
If you’re hosting the holiday for the first time and looking for an idea on how much to cook yourself, take a look at this handy How Much to Serve at Your Easter Meal guide.