Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! That means it’s time to start thinking about Easter dinner table settings. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual brunch, a well-set table can make all the difference. With a few simple touches, you can create a festive atmosphere that your guests will love.
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Recipe 1: Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Cherry Topping
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-8 lb.) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple slices, drained
- 1 (10 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil.
- Place ham in the roasting pan, cut side down. Cover with foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove foil from ham and brush with glaze. Arrange pineapple slices and cherries on top of ham, securing with toothpicks.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting with glaze every 10-15 minutes.
- Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 464
- Protein: 47g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 2374mg
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and roasted asparagus.
Variations:
- Substitute the pineapple and cherry topping with a honey mustard glaze.
- Use a spiral-cut ham for easier carving.
Substitutions:
- Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Substitute whole-grain mustard for Dijon.
Storage:
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips:
- For a crispy exterior, broil the ham for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Make extra glaze to serve on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a boneless ham?
- Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Can I use fresh pineapple?
- Yes, but canned pineapple holds up better during cooking.
Recipe 2: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs.)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Truss the chicken with kitchen twine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the chicken with the herb mixture, making sure to coat the entire bird.
- Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet and stuff the cavity with lemon quarters.
- Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 296
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen twine
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with roasted vegetables and a green salad.
Variations:
- Use a different herb blend, such as sage and thyme.
- Substitute lime or orange juice for lemon juice.
Substitutions:
- Use dried herbs instead of fresh.
- Substitute chicken breasts or thighs for a whole chicken.
Storage:
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips:
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
- Cover the chicken with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried herbs?
- Yes, but reduce the amount to 1 tsp. of each herb.
- Can I use a different type of citrus?
- Yes, any citrus will work.
Personal Thoughts
Both of these recipes are perfect for Easter dinner table settings. The glazed ham is sweet and savory, and the lemon herb roasted chicken is light and flavorful. They’re both easy to prepare and will impress your guests. I love how the pineapple and cherry topping adds a pop of color to the ham, and the lemon quarters infuse the chicken with a bright citrus flavor. Give these recipes a try this Easter, and your guests will be asking for seconds!