Easter is a time for family, friends, and food. And what better way to celebrate the holiday than with a delicious Easter dinner on Staten Island? From classic dishes to unique twists, this menu has something for everyone.
Recipe 1: Staten Island Easter Ham
Ham is a classic Easter dish that never goes out of style. This recipe puts a Staten Island spin on the traditional dish, making it perfect for your holiday dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-12 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cinnamon. Heat over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 30 minutes, until the ham is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 4 ounces
Calories: 240, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 70mg, Sodium: 870mg, Carbohydrates: 16g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 15g, Protein: 23g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the ham with mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls for a classic Easter dinner.
Variations:
Try adding cloves, allspice, or ginger to the glaze for a spicier flavor. You can also use honey instead of maple syrup for a sweeter taste.
Substitutions:
You can use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham if you prefer. You can also substitute honey mustard for the Dijon mustard.
Storage:
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to score the ham before baking to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Baste the ham frequently to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Let the ham rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of ham? Yes, you can use a spiral ham or a smoked ham if you prefer.
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: Staten Island Easter Pizza
If you’re looking for a unique twist on Easter dinner, try this Staten Island-style pizza. It’s loaded with ham, ricotta cheese, and spinach, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup chopped cooked ham
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a greased pizza pan.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Top the pizza with the ham, spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 35mg, Sodium: 700mg, Carbohydrates: 32g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Protein: 18g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Pizza pan
- Rolling pin
Serving Suggestions:
Pair the pizza with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations:
Try adding sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the pizza for extra flavor and nutrition.
Substitutions:
You can use any type of cheese you like on the pizza, such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina. You can also use turkey or chicken instead of ham.
Storage:
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to roll out the pizza dough evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispy crust.
- Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough if you prefer.
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
Final Thoughts
Easter dinner on Staten Island is all about celebrating tradition and family. Whether you’re cooking a classic ham or trying something new like pizza, this menu has something for everyone. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a festive feast to remember.