Easter is a time of joy, hope, and renewal. It’s a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious meal? In this blog post, we’ll share two mouth-watering recipes for your Easter dinner, along with a special dinner prayer to bless your meal.
Recipe 1: Honey-Glazed Ham
This Honey-Glazed Ham recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your Easter dinner. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender.
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-8 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it in between the slices.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove the foil and baste the ham with the glaze. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 480 calories, 24g fat, 44g carbohydrates, 25g protein, 1g fiber, 39g sugar.
Cooking Time:
2 hours
Equipment:
- Large roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Foil
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Honey-Glazed Ham with some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a classic Easter dinner. Serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.
Variations:
For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use regular yellow mustard instead. You can also substitute the apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
Storage:
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to score the ham before glazing it. This will allow the glaze to seep into the meat and give it more flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F.
- Let the ham rest before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a spiral ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a spiral ham for this recipe. Just make sure to brush the glaze in between the slices.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the glaze up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Recipe 2: Carrot Cake
For dessert, try this classic Carrot Cake recipe. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting it with cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving: 490 calories, 28g fat, 57g carbohydrates, 7g protein, 3g fiber, 41g sugar.
Cooking Time:
35-40 minutes
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
Serving Suggestions:
Top this Carrot Cake with some chopped walnuts or shredded coconut for extra texture. Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Variations:
You can add raisins or pineapple to the batter for a fruity twist. You can also use different spices, like cardamom or allspice, for a more complex flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil or melted butter instead. You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds.
Storage:
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to grate the carrots finely for a smoother texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the cake will become tough.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the frosting to prevent lumps.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of frosting if you prefer. Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing with Carrot Cake, but you can also use vanilla buttercream or whipped cream.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this cake up to 3 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to frost it right before serving.
A Dinner Prayer for Easter
Dear Lord, we thank you for this bountiful meal and the opportunity to gather with loved ones on this special day. We ask that you bless this food and nourish our bodies. We remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and give thanks for His resurrection. May this meal be a symbol of our love and gratitude for one another. Amen.
Final Thoughts
Easter is a time to celebrate with family, friends, and good food. These recipes are sure to make your dinner table shine. Whether you’re a fan of savory ham or sweet cake, there’s something here for everyone. And don’t forget to say the special dinner prayer before digging in. Happy Easter!