Let’s face it, Easter is all about what’s inside the baskets: chocolate covered bunnies, Peeps, jelly beans, perhaps a Cadbury egg. The dinner–or brunch–table does not get nearly as much attention as our favorite foodie holiday of the year, Thanksgiving.
But Easter, unlike its feast-focused fall counterpart, allows for more variety and fun in the kitchen. You might have a roasted leg of lamb as the centerpiece or the honey-roasted ham might be the scene-stealing protein. We’ve rounded up a few recipes from local bloggers that’ll allow you to get creative with your brunch of dinner starters, side dishes, and desserts. After all, there’s only so much tinfoil-wrapped chocolate one can stomach!
Greek Salad
This quick and classic salad, traditionally made without lettuce as our blogger Kevin Lynch points out, is perfect for a do-ahead dish. Just toss everything together and dress before serving.
Smoked Duck and Brie Panini
This easy sandwich idea that sings of spring. Kids will love it as a great excuse to eat with their hands; you’ll love it for its simple assembly but sophisticated taste.
Curried Cauliflower Lentil Soup
Add some exciting flavors to your table with this simple and comforting spring soup from One Hungry Mama. Serve it before the main course or make it the dish of the day.
Carrot Easter Cake
Our teen blogger in residence, Lauren Diamond, puts a fun twist on Easter treats with a creative use of candy and layering. Even better, it’s a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen.
Lemon Meringue Pie
When we think of Easter desserts, we think light, airy, and bright–something to counter all that super sweet chocolate. Although it does require several steps, it’s totally worth the effort.
Orange-Scented Honey Almond Cakes
Blogger Ken Leung’s petite and pretty cakes are almost too gorgeous to eat, but when all is said and done, a spring dessert like this–nuanced and sweet without being cloying–demands the attention of all ages.
