Easter is a time for family, friends, and feasting. And what better way to celebrate the occasion than with a delicious meal in Jacksonville, FL? Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or having a small, intimate dinner with loved ones, we’ve got you covered with two mouthwatering recipes that are sure to impress.
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Recipe 1: Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-8 pound) fully-cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, covering it completely.
- Bake the ham for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 3 oz
- Calories: 200
- Total fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Total carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 22g
Cooking Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- Total time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Saucepan
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
- Top with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for a classic touch.
Variations:
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a boozy twist.
Substitutions:
- You can use a boneless ham instead of bone-in, but the cooking time may be shorter.
- If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use regular yellow mustard instead.
Storage:
- Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips:
- Score the surface of the ham before glazing to help the flavors penetrate.
- Baste the ham every 15-20 minutes for a shiny, caramelized finish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a spiral ham for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a spiral ham, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Recipe 2: Carrot Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and oil until well combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Stir in 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 comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 400
- Total fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Baking spray or oil
Serving Suggestions:
- Frost with cream cheese frosting and top with additional chopped walnuts.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Variations:
- Add raisins or chopped pineapple for extra sweetness.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor.
Substitutions:
- You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
- If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can use canola oil or melted butter instead.
Storage:
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips:
- To make grated carrots, use a box grater or a food processor.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days in advance and frost it the day of serving.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Final Thoughts
Both of these recipes are perfect for your Easter dinner in Jacksonville, FL. The glazed ham is savory, sweet, and succulent, while the carrot cake is moist, flavorful, and satisfyingly indulgent. Whether you serve them together or separately, they’re sure to make your holiday meal a hit. So go ahead and give these recipes a try – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!