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Recipes and tips for a festive Easter celebration that will keep you organized and on track so you can enjoy the spring holiday.
Easter dinner is a favorite meal that gives me all the spring feels. From crunchy asparagus stalks, to roasted lamb, to pretty pastel-hued desserts I favor a festive celebration with a light and simple approach.
Today I’m sharing some of my family’s Easter faves which of course has plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth!
A festive Easter celebration!
Welcome Cocktail and Starters
Ruby red grapefruit juice brings a subtle drop of sweetness to an otherwise tart drink and the rosemary flavor is just enough to be noticeable but not overwhelming. This festive cocktail is the perfect palate cleanser!
Ideal for easy entertaining, this tart dough can be made well in advance and frozen, cut into small squares for easy sharing, and is delicious warm or at room temperature.
A bright spring soup that only requires a handful of ingredients! This easy asparagus soup is topped off with a lemony creme fraiche drizzle that makes for an elegant presentation.
The Main Event
This roasted leg of lamb is extra delicious because of the herb gremolata (an herb/garlic/lemon zest condiment) that is slathered all over the lamb before roasting giving it a glorious golden brown crust and tons of flavor. Make this with the potatoes and fennel or on its own and add your own sides.
Braised Lamb Shoulder with Grapes
Another easy preparation of lamb that is practically hands off! This lamb shoulder is fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious paired with jammy grapes.
ALL the Sides!
Want a change from potatoes? The flavor of this cauliflower mash is subtle and mellow. Parmesan cheese and freshly grated nutmeg add a nuttiness and just a splash of milk (and a couple pats of butter), make this mash decadently creamy.
This is a simple vegetable side dish that highlights the natural flavor of the carrots, has a simple and easy prep, and makes an elegant presentation for your Easter dinner.
Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Sauce and Crispy Prosciutto
A feast for the eyes and the stomach! Creamy, crunchy, salty and savory. Be careful, or this tasty side may steal the show!
The “best” is a lofty claim but I promise it’s legit! These buttery, flaky biscuits are delicious served with good butter and honey or even honey butter if you’re feeling fancy.
Save Room for DESSERT!
Move over chocolate bunnies, these sweet French Easter egg macarons will be your new favorite treat. Have fun decorating these with royal icing and pop them in baskets for a festive Easter celebration!
These sweet toasted coconut cupcakes will be the perfect addition to your Easter celebration and are are topped off with a swirl of cream cheese icing and a toasted coconut crunch.
Let’s talk Easter leftovers
Transform that leftover lamb into a brand new meal. Those crispy edges!!
Pop the leftover lamb into a sauté pan with the grapes and sauce and crank up the heat. Cook it over med/high heat until those edges are deliciously caramelized and crispy.
When life gives you leftover lamb, make tacos! Use this recipe as a guide and add your own favorite toppings!
Easter tips for a delicious day
A sweet start to the day!
Growing up we always had special Italian cookies for Easter breakfast. Instead of individual cookies, my Mom would form one large round rope of dough and place a hardboiled egg on it for each member of the family. A small dough cross would hold each egg in place and then it would be baked off, iced, and topped with sprinkles.
A slice of this was a sweet and memorable way to greet the day.
Plan ahead with lists and a timeline.
No matter if your hosting a big group or just your family, a little planning goes a long way.
Write a timeline (YES, A TIMELINE) for the days leading up to the holiday and especially for Easter day. From when to order specialty items (like boneless, tied lamb) to when you’re putting dishes into the oven, writing it down ensures you won’t miss a step.
Label, Label, Label.
If I’m making a lot of dishes I always put the name of each dish on a post-it note, then stick it in the plate or bowl I’ll be using to serve.
It’s simple but super helpful when you’re trying to get everything to the table while it’s still hot. It also makes it easy for guests to lend a hand.
Serving soup in small cups with handles prior to sitting down is a casual approach to a soup course. Plus, your guests won’t fill up on than a big bowl of soup and you can get all of the food set out without having to worry about it getting cold during a first course.
Hop to it!
As with any special holiday, while the food plays a delicious role, the most important part is who you’re sharing it with. If everyone can’t be there to celebrate Easter in person this year, consider making a special toast or blessing at the start of the meal.
Or how about a video chat or zoom Easter egg hunt?! This is a great way to get the kids involved. I hope you have a safe, sweet, and happy Easter.
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