Everything You Need for a Low-Key Easter at Home
Your celebration may be smaller but you can still have a delicious meal and plenty of fun.
Kate Mathis, © 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
I realized something the other day: somewhere in the midst of the hustle and bustle to stock my pantry and hunt down extra cleaning supplies I had completely forgotten about Easter. My daughter was bouncing around the house like a pajama-clad version of Peter Cottontail when she looked at me and said, "I can’t wait until Easter is here and I get to look for all my eggs." Cue panic. I smiled, nodded and agreed, "I know, it’s going to be so fun!" and then immediately texted my husband🐇🍫🥚🚨!
Useless text message aside, I’m willing to bet that I’m not the only one who had this experience recently. And that means, most of us are probably starting to think about how we’ll make Easter (a holiday that usually features a big roast, painting eggs and lots of family and friends) feel special this year. Sure, our celebrations will be smaller, our traditions will be reinvented and many of our connections will be virtual but that doesn’t mean our meals have to be any less delicious or our days any less celebratory.
Here’s what I’m planning for our laid-back (but memorable) Easter Sunday at home. And because we’re all in this together, I’m hoping that some of these ideas will work for your family too. If you decide to give any of them a try, post a picture on Instagram using #wecook. We’d love to see what you made — and we might even share your pic!
There’s nothing I love more on holiday mornings than waking up late and digging into breakfast. That’s why I’m picking one or two make-ahead brunch recipes to whip up the night before. That way, when I roll out of bed on Sunday morning, I can brew a cup of coffee, pop whatever needs reheating into the oven and spend time on the phone with family and friends (while eating homemade cinnamon rolls).
Tara Donne
Kid-Friendly Activities
When you’re stuck at home all day, fun activities are a must. Dyeing eggs is traditional but some of us might be lacking the decorating kit or eggs this year. No kit? We've got a few tricks for coloring eggs with things you probably have in your kitchen. No eggs? Make this quick and easy modeling dough instead — and let little ones design a batch of colorful "eggs" that way.
Kate Mathis, © 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
I know this seems like it goes against the whole idea of low-key but hear me out! If you choose a simple appetizer like these potato nests (made with refrigerator and freezer staples) you can make your day feel a little bit fancier for almost no extra work at all. When your easy appetizer is ready to eat, open a bottle of wine for the grown-ups call everyone together to share.
Kate Mathis, © 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Pineapple-topped ham, creamy potato gratin, colorful spring veggies and homemade biscuits — this easy-to-make Easter dinner has it all. It serves four, comes together quick, and requires less cleanup (since the whole thing cooks on two sheet pans). It’s the perfect solution when you’re only cooking for a few people but want a traditional holiday meal.
Kate Mathis, 2016, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
You’re not hosting relatives or friends this year so there’s no need for a showstopping cake — but no Easter dinner would be complete without something sweet. Instead of a more traditional dessert, get the whole family together after you eat and make a fun, kid-friendly treat. If the Easter bunny left marshmallow peeps at your house you can make these cute, chocolate-dipped rabbits. If not, try these cute marshmallow cereal treat chicks instead. You can use whatever candy you have on hand to decorate them.
Happy Easter,everyone!
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