Get ready to transform your Easter dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering menu that promises to dazzle your family and friends! Imagine a perfectly glazed ham, creamy mashed potatoes, tender asparagus, and a decadent carrot cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. This isn't just a meal - it's a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of bringing loved ones together around the table.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 glazed ham
- 2 lbs asparagus
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 dozen eggs
- 1 carrot cake
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for warming the glazed ham and ensuring it remains moist and flavorful.
- Place the glazed ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during cooking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about
- 5 hours, or until heated through. The internal temperature should reach at least 140°F (60°C).
- While the ham is baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. Keep warm until ready to serve.
- Next, prepare the asparagus. Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and rinse them under cold water. In a large skillet, bring about an inch of water to a boil, then add the asparagus. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the asparagus is steaming, prepare the hard-boiled eggs. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pan, remove it from heat, and let it sit for about 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
- Once the ham is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the ham moist.
- For serving, arrange the sliced ham on a large platter. Serve the mashed potatoes in a bowl, garnished with a pat of butter or chopped herbs if desired. Place the steamed asparagus on the side, and cut the hard-boiled eggs in half for presentation.
- Finally, for dessert, serve slices of carrot cake on individual plates. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Enjoy your Easter dinner with family and friends, making sure to savor each delicious bite!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your ham rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor distribution.
- Potato Perfection: Use warm milk and butter when mashing potatoes for the creamiest texture possible.
- Asparagus Hack: Don't overcook! Keep it bright green and tender-crisp for the best taste and nutrition.
- Egg Pro Tip: The ice bath after boiling prevents that unsightly green ring around the yolk.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare your side dishes in advance to reduce stress on the day of serving.
- Presentation Matters: Garnish your dishes with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parsley to elevate the visual appeal.
- Dessert Wow Factor: A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can turn your carrot cake from good to unforgettable.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 180mg
