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Easter Dinner

Easter Dinner Delights: Recipes & Tips for a Festive Feast

April 3, 2024

Overview: Want to host an unforgettable Easter feast?  From crusted lamb to finger-licking berry trifle, we have got you covered for this Easter to bring smiles and delights when your your loved ones are around the dinner table! Read on to learn more!

As spring awakens, bringing new beginnings and the warmth of family gatherings, Easter shines brightly as a celebration of renewal and hope. It’s a special day that elevates the simple joy of being together, filled with laughter and surrounded by the beauty of blossoming nature.

This year, let’s infuse your Easter dinner with extra warmth and charm, turning it into a memorable feast that captures the essence of this joyful season. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned host looking to sprinkle a bit of spring magic onto your traditional recipes, this guide is here to inspire.

Let’s explore some recipes and tips that bring the freshness and vibrancy of spring right to your table. So, with open hearts and eager hands, let’s create an Easter feast that will be cherished and remembered for years to come.

Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apple Cider Glaze   

 Ingredients: 

◻ 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 to 1½ pounds each)

◻ 4 cloves of garlic, minced

◻ 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

◻ 2 tbsp olive oil

◻ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

◻ 1 cup apple cider

◻ 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

◻ 2 tbsp honey

◻ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

◻ 1 tbsp butter

Get your ingredients from Redlands Ranch Market!

 Directions: 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get your pork tenderloins ready. Mix together minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and rub this blend all over the tenderloins. Let them marinate for a bit if you have time, or go straight to roasting them for about 20-25 minutes until they reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

While the pork is in the oven, start on your glaze by boiling apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Let it simmer until it’s nicely thickened, then stir in a tablespoon of butter to make it smooth and glossy.

Once the pork is cooked and has rested for about 10 minutes (to keep all those juices locked in), slice it up and drizzle with your homemade apple cider glaze. A little fresh rosemary on top can add a nice touch.

Want to try Pork Tenderloin with Honey Garlic Sauce? We hope you’ll like this!

Spring Vegetable Medley   

 Ingredients: 

◻ 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds

◻ 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed

◻ 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise

◻ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

◻ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

◻ 1 tsp lemon zest

◻ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

 Directions: 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus, snap peas, and carrots; blanch for about 3 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender. Drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking.

Drain the vegetables again and pat dry. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the blanched vegetables, and sauté until heated through, about 2 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Honey Glazed Carrots and Parsnips   

 Ingredients: 

◻ 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally

◻ 1 pound parsnips, peeled and sliced diagonally

◻ 3 tbsp olive oil

◻ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

◻ 3 tbsp honey

◻ 2 tbsp unsalted butter

◻ 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

 Directions: 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the carrots and parsnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.

Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, or until they start to become tender.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the honey and butter together until combined. Pour over the roasted carrots and parsnips, tossing to coat evenly.

Return the vegetables to the oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are caramelized and tender. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake  

Ingredients: 

◻ 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

◻ ¼ cup melted butter

◻ 2 cups cream cheese, at room temperature

◻ ¾ cup granulated sugar

◻ 1 tsp vanilla extract

◻ Zest and juice of 1 lemon

◻ 1 cup raspberries, plus more for garnish

◻ 2 eggs

 Get your fresh ingredients from Redlands Ranch Market!

Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Fold in 1 cup of raspberries gently. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is just set.

Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh raspberries before serving.

>> Related Reading: 25 Eggcellent Easter Cheesecake Recipes

Tips for a Successful Easter Feast   

Plan Ahead: Make a detailed shopping list and prepare some dishes in advance to reduce stress on the day.

Table Setting: Decorate your table with spring flowers, pastel colors, and Easter-themed decor to create a festive atmosphere.

Pairings: Consider wine or drink pairings with each course to complement the flavors of your dishes.

Enjoy: Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the time spent with loved ones. The best meals are those shared with family and friends.

Easter dinner is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories with those you cherish most. With these recipes and tips, you’re well on your way to hosting an unforgettable Easter feast that will delight your guests and make this spring celebration one to remember.

In Summary 

As we conclude our culinary journey through these Easter dinner delights, it’s clear that the heart of this celebration lies not just in the food itself, but in the joy of sharing these creations with loved ones. Remember, the key to a memorable Easter feast is not just in the meticulous preparation of each dish, but in the laughter, stories, and moments shared around the dining table.

So this Easter, let your kitchen be a place of creativity and your dinner table a place of connection!

Happy Easter to you and yours. May your table be blessed with good food, your home with good company, and your heart with great joy!