Easter is a time of year that many families look forward to. It’s a time of rebirth and new beginnings, and it’s also a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious meal together. If you’re wondering what to serve for your Easter dinner, we’ve got you covered with some delicious recipes that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Recipe 1: Glazed Ham with Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3-4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Place ham in a roasting pan and brush with the glaze.
- Bake ham for about 2 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze.
- Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes until tender and drain.
- Mash sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Spread sweet potato mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove ham from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve ham with sweet potato casserole.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (ham): 449 calories, 24g fat, 44g protein, 15g carbohydrates, 0g fiber
Per serving (sweet potato casserole): 299 calories, 8g fat, 4g protein, 57g carbohydrates, 4g fiber
Cooking Time:
2 hours for ham, 20-25 minutes for sweet potato casserole
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon for mixing glaze
- Knife for slicing ham
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a green vegetable, such as roasted asparagus, and a glass of red wine.
Variations:
Try substituting the sweet potato casserole with mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
Substitutions:
Use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard, or brown sugar instead of maple syrup in the sweet potato casserole.
Storage:
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Sweet potato casserole can be stored in the same way for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to baste the ham frequently to keep it moist and flavorful.
- For a crispy topping on the sweet potato casserole, sprinkle with crushed pecans or marshmallows before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different glaze for the ham?
- Yes, feel free to use your favorite glaze recipe or try a different flavor combination.
- Can I make the sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the casserole up to a day in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving.
This glazed ham with sweet potato casserole is a classic Easter dinner combination that is sure to please everyone at your table. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham, while the sweet potato casserole provides a deliciously creamy and comforting side dish. Give it a try and enjoy a memorable Easter celebration with your loved ones!
Recipe 2: Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto
Ingredients:
- 1 leg of lamb (5-7 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub mixture all over lamb.
- Place lamb in a roasting pan and bake for about 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare.
- Meanwhile, make the mint pesto by blending mint, parsley, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
- Let lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve lamb with mint pesto.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (lamb): 318 calories, 17g fat, 38g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fiber
Per serving (mint pesto): 97 calories, 10g fat, 2g protein, 2g carbohydrates, 1g fiber
Cooking Time:
2 hours for lamb
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon for mixing lamb rub
- Knife for slicing lamb
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with roasted vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, and a glass of red wine.
Variations:
Try using a different type of nut in the pesto, such as pine nuts or almonds, or substitute the parsley with basil for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions:
Use lamb chops or a lamb roast instead of leg of lamb, or substitute the walnuts in the pesto with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Storage:
Store leftover lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Mint pesto can be stored in the same way for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- For a more flavorful pesto, toast the walnuts before blending.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different herb in the pesto?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as basil or cilantro.
- Can I use the pesto on other meats?
- Yes, the pesto would be delicious on grilled chicken or fish, or even as a dip for vegetables.
This roast leg of lamb with mint pesto is a flavorful and elegant Easter dinner option that is sure to impress your guests. The herb rub adds a deliciously savory flavor to the lamb, while the bright and fresh mint pesto provides a perfect complement. Give it a try and enjoy a memorable Easter celebration with your loved ones!