Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Easy Easter Dinner Tips

My niece Calli, last year on Easter morning.

Does the thought of a big Easter dinner leave you feeling tired and stressed, even before the day arrives?

With a little planning, you can enjoy a good dinner and the company of your loved ones.  Below are a few tips that I use to help me sleep like a baby in the Easter Bunny's arms, instead of tossing and turning, worrying about getting everything done in time.
 Easy Easter Dinner Tips

1.  Clean as you go.  This is the first kitchen tip my mom taught me, and it is one I use everyday.

Click this link to read the post: "Clean as you go!" 

2.  KISS: Keep It Super Simple.  Save that new complicated recipe for another time.  Instead use tried and true recipes that you know everyone loves.  Each member of my family has a favorite recipe that our mom will only make when we are at home for dinner.  It make each of us feel very special and encourages us to get home as much as possible to have that special treat.  Next week I will post the special recipe that my mom only makes for me.

3.  Share the load.  Have each guest bring a dish.  Create a menu and assign each guest a specific item to bring.  It wouldn't be much of a dinner if everyone brought the same dish.  You can only eat so much cake.

4.  Prepare ahead.  Do as much as you can the night before.  Desserts, veggie trays, marinades, and deviled eggs, are just a few of the dishes that can be made ahead of time.

5.  Use slow cookers.  They free up space in your oven and keep your kitchen cool.  You can cook almost everything in them.


What tips do you have for a hassle-free holiday meal?

Calli and I, wish you and yours, all the 
joy that should come with this Easter season!

On Friday, I will be posting my 
Honey BBQ Slow Cooker Ham recipe.


Check out my friend Bo's
Le Creuset French Oven Giveaway! 

Visit my friends blogs!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully 
follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!

Stop by and visit Ashley, at What Does A Songbird Sing.  She posts recipes and exercise tips on her blog, and who couldn't use a little more of both!



13 comments:

  1. She is adorable! Time to think Easter? Where is my brain; it's in 2 weeks; thank you for all the suggestions; I need inspiration.
    Rita

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  2. Calli is a doll, so cute in her Easter outfit! Thanks for the great tips! I so agree with "clean up as you go" and do that every day also. And it's definitely not a time to try something new. Looking forward to what your mom makes only for you!

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  3. I really look forward to holiday meals IF I have a PLAN ready to go!

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  4. OH! I forgot to say...Calli is ADORABLE!

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  5. SUch lovely photos and such a sweetie pit.

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  6. I agree, share the load! And I always prepare ahead of time, even if just chopping things up.

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  7. Your niece is beautiful! Thanks for all those great tips! It's nice when things can get done ahead of time!

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  8. Clean as you go...I must remember that...I think I'm the messiest cook EVER!

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  9. I love these practical ideas.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  10. Hey Linda! I’m passing on the Sisterhood of the world bloggers award to your blog! Here is the info: http://cajunlicious.blogspot.com/2011/04/sisterhood-of-world-bloggers-award.html

    - Jessica

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  11. She is sooo cute Linda, really , nice pictures, I was thinking what I would made for easter!Nice tips! gloria

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  12. So cute!!! Love!

    Your tips here are great too...clean as you go is a huge one!

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