We’re having a friend over for a “simple” Easter meal tomorrow.
Of course, whenever we entertain, especially on a holiday, my wife has to hose me down after I’ve told her what I’m thinking of cooking.
Since our friend is originally from Alabama and mentioned to us the Easter meals she remembers when growing up, I thought I’d incorporate some Southern dishes into the meal.
Here’s what my wife and I agreed on (as in “yes dear”) after she pointed out that making 17 dishes for three people might be a bit much. I am offering this Easter menu as a guide for people who might still need some last-minute ideas.
Appetizer: Deviled eggs. Our friend had mentioned these.
Pre-dinner refreshment: Watermelon prosecco. Fill a flute one-third with pureed watermelon, top with prosecco, add a mint leaf. Sip.
Massive meat: A 10-pound pre-sliced smoked ham studded with cloves and glazed with bourbon/brown sugar. Our friend had mentioned this.
Carbohydrate: Potato stacks. Slices of Russet potatoes layered with cream and cheese in a muffin tin, baked until golden and crisp.
Vegetable: Turnip greens. Simmered with salt pork of course. Our friend had mentioned these.
Salad: Pear/fennel slices drizzled with a tart dressing.
Side dish: Ambrosia: Yes, I said it. Doesn’t get more Southern than this. Mix together mandarin slices, pineapple chunks, small marshmallows, coconut, chopped pecans, sour cream. Our friend had not mentioned this.
Biscuits: Definitely a Southern thing. Have never made them. Wish me luck. Our friend had not mentioned these.
Side dish: Artichoke and mushroom lasagna with homemade pasta and bechamel sauce. More Italian than Southern. But still.
Dessert: Bananas in red sauce. This is traditionally attributed to Shoney’s Restaurants, which is a chain of more than 200 eateries throughout the South. You just mix sliced bananas with strawberry glaze and chill. Our friend had not mentioned this. Understandable.
Southern recipe squirreled away for another day: Baked Pineapple casserole (It includes Ritz crackers and lots of butter).
No wonder they lost the war.
— LOU
The only thing you are missing at your party is Paula Deen. Or maybe that’s why you are cooking so much Southern-style fattening food, because she is coming. And you didn’t tell me. Well, I guess I won’t tell you when Mario Batalli comes to my house for dinner,
— LUCY