Easter is a time for celebration, reflection, and indulgence. But with all the sugary treats and calorie-laden meals, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle during this festive season. That’s where Whole Foods Easter catering comes in! With a focus on fresh, whole ingredients, these recipes are both delicious and nutritious.
Recipe 1: Herb-Roasted Leg of Lamb
Ingredients:
- 1 leg of lamb, bone-in, about 6 pounds
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and mint to make a paste.
- Season lamb generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread herb paste all over lamb.
- Place lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and roast lamb until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Let lamb rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 4 oz
Calories: 291
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 122mg
Sodium: 82mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 36g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions.
Variations:
Use different herbs, such as oregano or sage, for a different flavor.
Substitutions:
You can use boneless leg of lamb, but reduce cooking time to about 1 hour.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips:
Let lamb rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What temperature should I roast lamb?
For medium-rare, roast lamb until internal temperature reaches 135°F.
Recipe 2: Spring Vegetable Quiche
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Press pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add asparagus and zucchini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetable mixture evenly in pie crust.
- Pour egg mixture over vegetables.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until quiche is set and golden brown.
- Let quiche cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/8 of quiche
Calories: 187
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 112mg
Sodium: 278mg
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Skillet
- Bowl
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a simple green salad.
Variations:
Use different vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Substitutions:
You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips:
Let quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can make quiche up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Personal Thoughts
These Whole Foods Easter catering recipes are both delicious and nutritious, making them the perfect addition to any Easter celebration. The herb-roasted leg of lamb is full of flavor and packed with protein, while the spring vegetable quiche is a light and fresh alternative to heavy Easter fare. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, these recipes are sure to please.
So why not give them a try for yourself? With their easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, these recipes are perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. And with the focus on whole, fresh foods, they’re a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the festive season. Happy Easter!