When it comes to Easter, there’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family for a delicious meal. And if you’re looking for some inspiration for your Easter feast, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be sharing two amazing recipes that are perfect for this holiday season.
Recipe 1: Lowes Foods Easter Bread
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, warm milk and water until it reaches 110°F.
- Add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, stirring until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough, knead it briefly, and shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the loaf on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and water.
- Brush the top of the loaf with the egg wash.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
This Easter bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with butter or jam. You can also serve it alongside your favorite Easter main dish.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, you can add raisins or other dried fruit to the dough. You can also sprinkle the bread with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. You can also use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk.
Storage:
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and not expired.
- Don’t skip the kneading step – it’s important for developing the gluten in the dough.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place is key to getting a light and fluffy bread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this bread in advance?
- Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping it and letting it rise.
- Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, you can use bread flour if you prefer. Just note that the texture may be slightly different.
Recipe 2: Lowes Foods Easter Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully-cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and ground cloves.
- Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- 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 hour.
- Remove the foil and baste the ham with the glaze.
- Bake for another 30 minutes or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 25g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Equipment:
- Large roasting pan
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions:
This Easter ham is perfect served alongside some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. You can also use any leftover ham to make sandwiches or omelets.
Variations:
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use regular mustard instead. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for some extra tang.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or apple juice instead. You can also use molasses instead of honey.
Storage:
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to cover the ham with foil for the first hour of baking so it doesn’t dry out.
- Basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes will ensure that it stays moist and flavorful.
- If you want a crispier exterior, you can remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of baking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a spiral ham for this recipe?
- Yes, a spiral ham will work just fine. Just be sure to get