Easter is a special time for most of us. Obviously, it has special significance in the Christian community, but it's an event for others as well. It means spring is here, despite the blizzard that hit Colorado Wednesday! This Sunday, regardless of our faith or lack thereof, most of us will visit with friends and family and share an Easter meal. This is why it is special because it brings people together and compels us to share stories, friendship, and togetherness for a period of time. Children will hunt Easter eggs full of treats while others catch up on news and gossip.
The older we get the more memories we have and holidays seem to generate a lot of endearing moments that we all cherish forever. But it seems like the special meal that is prepared on Easter is the centerpiece of the day. Most tables will be graced with a ham, but there are many other foods that will be welcome as well. Barbecue, Prime Rib, Fried Chicken, Tamales, the list goes on and on. So just sit back and loosen your belt, this will be an off day for all diets. Desserts? Oh, man. Pies, Banana Pudding, Cakes, you name it, they'll be there.
So, despite all the bad news that consumes our news, Easter should be a time away from those worries. My hope for everyone is that this Sunday will be a day in which we all enjoy the day that inspires hope.
I thought that it would be fun to share a few recipes for those that are looking for easy and delicious food to prepare for any special gathering, not just Easter. The three I am sharing include Country Green Beans, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, and Banana Pudding. I will use all three this Sunday for our gathering. However, they are easy to make and can be used anytime. Just good comfort food.
Country Green Beans
This is for four servings, so increase the ingredients for a larger crowd.
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1/3 cup chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup chopped or diced ham
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup water
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Note: Feel free to add more garlic and/or sweet onion!
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until beans are tender.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This is my basic recipe. You can add ham, bread crumbs, different cheeses if you like.
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Pre-heat oven to 375.
Cook macaroni as the package directs; drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan; remove from heat.
Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Stir in milk.
Stirring frequently, bring to a slight boil. Be careful here. You want to get it just thick enough, but not too much.
In large bowl, pour mixture over macaroni. Add cheese and mix in.
Place macaroni mixture in baking dish. I use a casserole dish.
Bake 30 minutes. Watch your time as 30 is pretty much an absolute.
Banana Pudding
1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 5-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 bananas, sliced
1/2 12-ounce package vanilla wafers
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping.
Line the bottom of a 9x13 dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange sliced banana's evenly over wafers.
Add the pudding mixture evenly over the wafers and banana's. Top with remaining whipped topping. Chill.
I hope you enjoy Sunday! Bring on the warm weather!
