Quick But Really Good Easter Dinner?

Question

I just found out today that I am hosting Easter Dinner! I'm going to be out of town Thursday through Saturday... so I don't have a lot of time to cook. I usually make gourmet dishes that take a long time to prepare and/or can be partially made in advance -- and this time I don't have that luxury.
Can anyone recommend a tasty menu/recipes that won't be difficult or lengthy? I mean, I don't mind putting a roast in the oven and cooking it for a half day (you know what I mean).
I really appreciate your help with this! Thank you in advance!
All the best! -- Cindy

Answer 1

Aren't you the lucky one! Ok, here's a thought for a good Easter Menu that should be easy to make:

1. Purchase a bone-in spiral cut ham. Make a glaze that starts by rubbing paprika, brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg, and all spice on the skin. Cut a diamond pattern into ham and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Baste with honey.
2. Purchase several boxes of au gratin potatos and some shredded cheese. Make according to the package directions, using a little sour cream in place of some of the milk. Add shredded cheese to finished product.
3. Frozen peas and pearl onions with bacon (saute pancetta and add to peas and onion mix before serving)
4. Fresh asparagas with lemon butter (add lemon zest and 1 T juice to melted butter and toss crisp tender asparagas in it)
5. Hot rolls with sweet butter
6. Ambrosia salad (mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, banana's, coconut and whipped cream or coolwhip mixed with a little sour cream)
7. Angel Food cake trifle: 1 store bought angel food cake, 2 pints strawberries, hulled, sliced and sweetened, 1 large box French Vanilla instant pudding, made with all but 1/2 cup of the milk. Substitute sour cream for 1/2 cup of milk, Cool Whip. Tear pieces of cake and layer in bottom of glass bowl. Top with 1/3 of the strawberries. Top with 1/3 of the pudding. Top with 1/3 of the Cool Whip. Repeat until you end with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Garnish with sliced strawberries if desired.

Many of these dishes can be assembled while the ham is baking. The potatos can be cooking along side the ham and the veges put on to heat shortly before serving. Make the trifle and put in the fridge to meld the flavors and enjoy your guests!

Answer 2

Pre-cooked ham, warmed up in the oven, with boiled baby potatoes and carrots, buttered and parsleyed. Add some steamed asparagus.

If you want to get a little fancy, make asparagus crepes with crepes, steamed asparagus, a little cheese and some mushroom soup mix. (Homemade mushroom white sauce is also fairly quick -- add some lemon thyme for an especially springy surprise.)

Buy a chiffon cake (or make it today and freeze it), and get some strawberries and *fresh* whipped cream to spoon over it.

Save time by having everyone dye their own Easter eggs, and serve those with a little salt and dried lemon thyme.

You only need one WOW dish to make it a memorable meal -- you want to have time to spend with your family, not killing yourself overnight for a meal that will be gone in an hour. Check out your local deli to see if they are offering any specials that will help add some glamor to a simple meal.

Answer 3

whole cold lettuce leaves put on grated bega cheese layer with thin slices of cold ham and pork put sliced very thin salad onion rings on top add cherry tomatoes around the side a couple of stuffed olives and a small 2or 3 asparagus on top of onions.have fruit muffins in centreof table also mixed fresh fruit and some chocolate pieces for everyone to help themselves.jugs of cold water with sliced lime and lemon in it.also some sauces and nice grain breads.enjoy.

Answer 4

We always make things like ham, au gratin potatos (we don't use a mix but they are pretty good and quick) some sort of veggie like broccoli that can be steamed. Things of that nature.

Answer 5

Cindy

This menu should be perfect for you - try to complete the first course BEFORE you go away:
http://www.gourmet-food-revolution.com/easter-dinner-menu.html

Answer 6

ham potatoes