 |
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
| |
| Light and Festive Easter Dinner |
by Brenda HydeTraditional dinners at the holidays are wonderful, but sometimes it's nice to change the menu and surprise your guests with something festive and light. Fresh and dried herbs add an elegant touch to the following menu that is just perfect for Easter Dinner. Be sure to bring out the nice dishes and a spring tablecloth for the occasion. A simple centerpiece of daisies, daffodils and lilies will add that extra touch to cheer your guests. Shopping List: 3-4 pound pork roast dried rosemary dried thyme black peppercorns fresh or frozen corn garlic olive oil scallions 8 oz. sour cream 2 lbs. potatoes Parmesan Cheese Pineapple Cake Mix orange gelatin 2- 8 ounce packages of cream cheese whipping cream 1 can (11 ounces) Mandarin orange segments one orange Herbed Pork Roast 3-4 pound boneless pork roast 2 tsp. black peppercorns 2 tsp. dried rosemary 2 tsp. dried thyme Peppercorns need to be crushed using a grinder, or by simply crushing on a cutting board with a heavy pan. Combine pepper with the herbs. Coat the outside of the roast with herb mixture by rubbing it into the meat. Place the roast in a shallow pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours or until temperature reaches 155 degrees on a meat thermometer when it is inserted into the roast. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve. Note: You may also use a combination beef/pork roast. Serves 6. Mediterranean Style Corn Ingredients: 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 4 cups fresh or frozen corn 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme or rosemary pepper and salt to taste Combine oil and garlic in a small skillet. Heat over low heat just until the garlic begins to sizzle. Add the corn and stir to blend and heat through, about 1 minute. Add thyme or rosemary and pepper to taste. Serve at once. Serves 6. Garlic and Cheese Mashed Potatoes Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 cup chopped scallions 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 pounds potatoes; peeled, cubed and cooked 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese In large saucepan melt butter or margarine. Add scallions and garlic; cook until tender. Add hot cooked potatoes, sour cream, milk and cheese. Mash until smooth and well blended. Serve. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serves 6. Orange Cheesecake Ingredients: Crust: 1 package Pineapple Cake Mix 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted Filling: 1 4 serving package orange gelatin 1 cup boiling water 2 tsp. grated orange peel 2 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened 1 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup sour cream 1 can (11 ounces) Mandarin orange segments, drained Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For crust, combine cake mix and melted butter in large bowl. Mix at low speed until crumbs form. Lightly press into 9 inch springform pan so crust is 1 inch up the sides. Smooth remaining crumbs on the bottom of pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool. For filling, dissolve gelatin in boiling water in small saucepan. Add orange peel. Refrigerate until thickened. Beat cream cheese until smooth in large bowl. Gradually beat in thickened gelatin. Beat whipping cream until stiff in large bowl. Fold into orange cream cheese mixture. Pour into cooled crust. Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours. Drop teaspoonfuls of sour cream around edge of cheesecake. Garnish with drained orange segments.  Recommended ReadingEaster Treats: Recipes and Crafts for the Whole Family by Jill O'Connor, Jonelle Weaver Look no further for entertaining Easter ideas! From tasty recipes for a gourmet dinner to silly and simple crafts with the kids, you'll find the variety in Easter Treats most pleasing. Each recipe includes a lovely color photo of the finished project, as well as an ingredients list and, where appropriate, illustrated steps or traceable stencils. Party-favor ideas range from sturdy paper candy cones to simple jellybean bags, while more kid-friendly ideas include adorable bunny finger puppets and fuzzy pom-pom chicks. (courtesy: Amazon) |
|
About the Author: Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer and gardener who has been collecting recipes and tips for over 20 years. You can read more of her gardening features at OldFashionedLiving.com or subscribe to her monthly newsletter Herbs 'N Spices by sending any email to: mailto:herbs-n-spices-subscribe@yahoogroups.com |
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
Let's Get Cooking!
