Easter Meals to Welcome Spring

After months of cold, gray skies it is a relief to know that Easter is right around the corner! Spring is ready to blossom and the spirit of renewal is filling the air as we prepare to gather with family and savor flavors and traditions around the dining table. If you haven’t quite figured out what you’ll serve, here are a few recipes to try this year with a tidbit of history behind each one!

Eggs

Mini Ham and Egg Quiches

A symbol of new life and rebirth, eggs are a no-brainer when it comes to Easter foods. Dyed eggs make a great snack and decoration, but if you’re ready to try something different this year, give our Mini Ham and Egg Quiches a try. They’re the perfect bite-sized breakfast and fun to make with kids!

Carrots

Carrot Cake Cookies

You can’t picture the Easter Bunny without some vibrant carrots. While these veggies are typically planted in the spring and harvested in late summer, we are lucky to have year long access to them. Instead of the typical side of roasted carrots, give this Carrot Cake Cookie recipe a chance.

Pretzels

Pretzel Bites

These may not be the most common tradition, but there is a link between this salty snack and the springtime holiday. Lenten used to be a time to avoid all dairy products, and since pretzels are water, salt, and dough, they made a great snack, even being shaped to resemble arms crossing at the chest in prayer. These pretzel bites may not be the standard twist, but they’re definitely delicious!

Ham

Slow Cooker Ham

Pigs are commonly associated with prosperity and luck, but they mostly became a tradition out of convenience. After winter, ham was the only readily available meat as it had been curing for months. Ham can sometimes be tricky, but this Slow Cooker Ham requires very little active cooking time and turns into a lovely centerpiece for dinner.

Easter Bread

Classic Braided Easter Bread

This tradition may vary from country to country, but the meaning is all the same; the end of Lent and peace in the coming year. Bread has always been a significant symbol in Christianity, representing nourishment and peace. This Easter Bread is a great addition to dinner or brunch.

Lamb

Roasted Leg of Lamb

This food brings the meaning of spring and new life to our Easter feasts. It is commonly served as a roast during lunch. It might seem intimidating, but if you have ever roasted a turkey or chicken, then you can roast a lamb. This recipe includes a lovely mint sauce and comes together easily.