Spring has sprung and Easter is just around the corner! If you’re hosting a dinner party this year, it’s time to start thinking about your menu. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some delicious and easy Easter dinner table ideas that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Recipe 1: Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Score the ham with a knife in a diamond pattern.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the honey mixture all over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining honey mixture.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 4 oz.
Calories: 290
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1700mg
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 23g
Cooking Time:
2 hours and 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Roasting Pan
- Basting Brush
- Meat Thermometer
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with roasted potatoes and asparagus for a complete meal.
Variations:
Try substituting the Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard or the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or brown sugar instead.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips:
Make sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes for optimal flavor and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a spiral ham instead of a bone-in ham?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Recipe 2: Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Cream cheese frosting, for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each liner 2/3 full with batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before topping with cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 280
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 190mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 23g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
20-25 minutes
Equipment:
- Muffin Tin
- Cupcake Liners
- Electric Mixer
Serving Suggestions:
Top with chopped walnuts or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Variations:
Try adding in raisins, pineapple, or coconut flakes to the batter for a different twist on classic carrot cake.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips:
Make sure to grate the carrots finely for a smoother texture in the cupcakes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe into a cake instead of cupcakes?
Yes, just pour the batter into two 9-inch cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These Easter dinner table ideas are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday celebration extra special. Whether you’re a ham lover or a carrot cake fanatic, these recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor. So what are you waiting for? Give them a try and let us know what you think!