There's nothing I love more than family gatherings...
I love spending quality time with my closest family. I love getting dressed up, and making a meal that's absolutely delicious while still being healthy.
Undoubtedly, someone always leaves my house saying, "Wow, what a delicious meal... and it was all healthy?!"
Here is what's on the menu for my family's Easter dinner this year.
Appetizer: Deviled Eggs (from your Church Potluck Recipes bonus)
Entrée: Honey and Citrus Glazed Ham
Make sure your ham is uncured (which can now be found in many traditional supermarkets, in addition to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's). If you're not able to get an uncured ham, do a whole chicken or turkey instead. Birds do not have to be reserved solely for Thanksgiving!
Honey and Citrus Glazed Ham
Ingredients
1 ham
1 cup white wine
1 cup water
1 orange, sliced
2 Tbsp raw honey
2 Tbsp fresh-squeezed orange juice
1 Tbsp mustard
½ tsp black pepper
Pinch of ground cloves
Directions
Remove the thawed ham from the fridge, and let it sit out for 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Place the ham on a roasting rack, in a roasting pan. Pour the wine and water into the pan, and line the pan with the orange slices. Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast for 30 minutes.
While the ham is roasting, prepare the glaze. Combine honey, mustard, orange juice, ground cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Stir to combine, and heat on low for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Keep everything at a very gentle simmer, and the mixture should thicken slightly.
After the ham has roasted for 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush half of the glaze onto all sides of the ham. Roast for another 15 minutes, uncovered, and then brush on the rest of the glaze. Keep an eye on the level of liquid in the pan, and add water if needed. Roast for an additional 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the ham – when it has reached 155-160ºF, the ham is done. If it's not there yet, keep cooking and check on it every 10 minutes or so.
When the ham is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving into thin slices.
Side Dishes: Asparagus Amandine, rice or quinoa, and a big salad
This asparagus recipe is SO simple and is jam packed with flavor... my favorite kind of recipe!). I will also be serving a rice or quinoa dish, and I love making a big salad with lots of fresh vegetables for any family meal.
The Stuffed Mushrooms and Macaroni and Cheese recipes found in your Church Potluck Recipes bonus would also make delicious side dishes.
Asparagus Amandine
Ingredients
2 lb asparagus
2 Tbsp butter
¼ cup sliced almonds
1 Tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
Directions
Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Cook asparagus in enough boiling salted water to cover in a large skillet for about 3 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain. Move asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Add asparagus and cook 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Toss with lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper. Serve warm.
And no, my family and I are NOT skipping dessert!
Dessert: The Most Wonderful Carrot Cake (from your Heavenly Desserts bonus)
If you've spent any time in the New Life Promise Family group, you know that this cake is a HUGE hit with everyone who has made it. You can make it as a cake or cupcakes, with or without frosting – whatever works best for you!
I hope you all have an amazing Easter Sunday with your families and a delicious table of healthy food to nourish your body.
Using some or all of the recipes above would make for a delicious Easter dinner. Want to eat like this all the time? Sign up for the New Life Promise plan today!