The Spousal Unit reminded me that Easter is coming up. She asked if I was ‘going to make ham or something’. Traditionally, I make ham and potatoes au gratin. I suggested fried rabbit this year, but she said she didn’t want to eat rabbit.
What sounds good? I can always default to the usual, but it would be nice to make something different.
Just to clarify, are you looking for an ‘Easter’ specific theme, or just wanting to try a new main dish?
Since I’m not Christian, I’ve never celebrated Easter dinner, but there are a ton of interesting, if not particularly rare main dishes that might enliven a festive mood. It also probably matters if you’re cooking for just two, or for a full family.
A couple of main dishes I’d recommend that are less common, but again unlikely to raise eyebrows would be a hard cider basted duck (since you can get frozen duck in many grocery stores or fresh at whole foods often), beef brisket marinated and braised in dark beer, or a herb crusted rack of lamb (this one’s a bit more expensive though). If I was cooking for a lot of people, I’d probably go with brisket (for cost), but for 2-4 the duck would be my main choice, and getting to make duck broth/stock later is always a win (and save the fat for frying some semi-waxy potatoes!).
Side dishes are up to your personal preferences, but for something tasty and easy, try Trader Joe’s whole wheat couscous made by the box directions, but add a heavy pinch of tarragon and some roasted, slivered almonds after stirring to elevate it to new heights. Oven roasted brussels spouts brushed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and bacon crumbles are a fancy looking but easy green as well.
Neither am I, but she very is. I think she might want ham because it’s traditional. I like lamb, but I don’t think she’s especially keen on it. We haven’t had roasted duck in a while.
I came in to suggest lamb; it’s probably what I’ll be making. It’s not that often that stores around here carry the better larger cuts, so getting one when they’re available makes it a common Easter choice for us. FYI restaurant supply retailers like Gordon Foods usually have racks of lamb year round. Other lamb products are more hit or miss.
Though I have to say that @ParallelLines’ duck idea sounds like an excellent change of pace. Decisions, decisions.
Like you, to me it’s just an excuse for a feast & some family; religion isn’t relevant.
We have a leg o’ lamb in the freezer that I’m contemplating.
Back to Johnny; I hadn’t realized GFS was so regional when I linked them. Where you are these folks are the equivalent
We usually have ham and cheesy potatoes with numerous sides. This year I announced that I’m making lasagna instead. Then I only need garlic bread, salad and a dessert. Much easier. And I can put the lasagna together a day ahead of time.
I’m thinking pot roast.
In my family, the tradition is dandelion salad. It’s served with boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, chopped onions, and a hot bacon-and-cider-vinegar dressing that’s poured on right before serving. Absolutely delicious, but you can only make it in the spring, because the greens get bitter after the flowers bloom (hence why it’s specifically an Easter tradition).
That makes me want to make spinach salad. Same thing, but without the potatoes, and Dijon mustard in the dressing.
Well, after decades of baking a big ham or something and lots of other dishes, basically Making A Big Deal (I mean, it’s not like somebody did something amazing…), I get to be lazy this year.
I tell ya, we’re milking this pandemic. There’s a local high end cajun place that has been too expensive for takeout dinners, but they’re doing a special Easter dinner. Ham, sweet potato casserole, a bunch of sides… doesn’t sound special, but knowing this chef, it’ll be great.
As will lazing around (with no guests dropping in), until it’s time to pick up the food…
We’re doing roast beast, with porcini mushrooms, and an asparagus and cheese tart.
Peeps.