Easter Memories

Growing up in the South I learned there were three things that emphasis was put on for Easter:  Jesus, the Easter Bunny, and a family meal. It didn’t matter how crazy the day was or what the distance, a trip to Grandma’s was always on the schedule for lunch. And almost as important as who we sat down to eat with was what we were eating. Each year the meal was a little different, but it was always amazing. I mean let’s face it, no one cooks like Grandma, right? Well, those days have sadly come and gone, but I still hold tight to those memories and try to make some of my own favorites for that Easter meal.

Here are just a few recipes that I have stumbled across the past several years that have turned out ‘Winners’ when it comes to Easter Dinner.

Pick Your Protein

This is where things will probably differ the most depending on what geographical region you live in. But as I said earlier, I grew up here in the South and one of the meats most synonymous with the region is Fried Chicken. I have to admit it is a touch time consuming, but oh so very worth the trouble. Here is the recipe I found for CopyCat KFC Fried Chicken and it tastes amazing.  If you aren’t wanting to put in the time or mess for fried chicken, you can’t go wrong with this recipe for Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham.

Sides are the Spice of Life

Next on the list and just as important as the protein are the side dishes that you pick. Some years there was a vast array of side dishes from pasta salad to deviled eggs to at least three different vegetables. Then there were other years that Grandma kept it simple with just a vegetable or two on the side. Even on the years that she kept it simple, there was always some version of green beans and also corn.

If you’re wanting to try something a little less traditional, but packed full of flavor, might I suggest these Smothered Green Beans and Corn Pudding. Another yummy staple at our big family gatherings has become CopyCat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. And look no further than this recipe by Paula Deen when looking for great Deviled Eggs. A few other honorable mentions that we have enjoyed the past few years are Broccoli Rice Casserole, Slow Cooker Baby Carrots, Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and Southern Pea Salad.

Don’t Forget Dessert

When it comes time for the finale of the meal, I tend to make two separate dishes, one for the adults and one for the little people. Several years ago I saw a recipe for this Peeps Cake and absolutely fell in love with it.

It has graced our Easter table several times since I first read the recipe. And for the adults I tend to go simple, yet decadent. And what is more simple, yet yummy then Baked Apples with a side of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel?

So there you have it, Easter dinner at our house in a nutshell. Things change from year-to-year, but sitting down to eat with those I love is a constant.

Does your family also participate in an Easter meal? Are there staple dishes that are a must have for you? Drop the recipe or the link to them in the comments below.