Easter Dinner

My sister, Elizabeth asked about Easter Dinner. This year it's Josh's birthday, so we will be having birthday dinner on Sunday (more about that later), but this would be my perfect Easter meal:

Gabby's Ham - It does take awhile (about 6 hours) and makes a ton, so if you don't have that much time, or that many mouths to feed I would try Ina Garten's Baked Virginia Ham. She uses a large ham (14-16 lbs.), but I would use a small ham and roast it for about half the time.


Potatoes - Steam extra small (tootsie pop size) new potatoes until the skins split and they are soft. Butter generously. Finely chop green onions and garnish.



Roasted Asparagus - 1 lb. of asparagus serves 4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Break off the tough ends of the asparagus, place on baking sheet drizzle with olive oil then toss to coat completely. Spread in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Optional: Sprinkle with 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese and return to oven for 5 min. or until cheese melts.

Parker House Rolls, Popovers, or store bought baguette or ciabatta.

For Dessert: Because it's "spring" (it was lightly snowing this morning), I like to do a dessert with fruit. Here are two options:

Good Vanilla Ice Cream topped with caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought) and fruit (any of the following raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, pineapple, bananas). About an hour or two before serving, wash/cut fruit, put in bowl together and sprinkle generously with sugar. Refrigerate until ready to serve.



Strawberry Country Cake - The BEST strawberry shortcake ever (another Ina Garten recipe).