Easter Recipes and Serving Ideas

Easter is a great time to get together and enjoy the company of friends and family. Great recipes are always in demand. Some of the ideas I love for Easter include a shrimp centerpiece and serving "bowls" made from cabbage, melons, pineapples and various fruits and veggies.

The shrimp centerpiece is very easy and very festive. Get a large sized styrofoam ball or egg shape if you can find it.. Rings are attractive done this way also with the cocktail sauce put in the center in a bowl. Cover the shape you select (If egg cut off a small portion on the bottom so it will stand) with curly endive that has been washed and chilled. Attach to shape with fern pins (U-shaped florist pins) starting at the base and working upwards overlapping to completely cover the shape. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, attach shrimp with toothpics on the shape. You can secure shape to serving platter with florist sticky clay. If using a ring just place a bowl in center for cocktail sauce and pile more shrimp around the whole thing. If using a different shape place shrimp around it and a few bowls of sauce around the table for serving.

If you prefer a veggie centerpiece cover in curly endive and then attach a colorful variety of vegetables suitable for dipping and offer a variety of dipping sauces. The addition of using vegetables and fruits for bowls makes for an interesting table as well. Cabbages, melons, pineapples, pumpkin, squash, eggplant and bell peppers all make attractive serving bowls. Bread bowls are also good.

For a creative touch artichokes and bell peppers make good votive candle holders if you enjoy candles.

I've included an easy cocktail sauce and a great vegetable dipping sauce for you to try at your next event. Happy Cooking!

Easy Cocktail Sauce

1 cup ketchup
3 Tbsps minced onion
3 Tbsps prepared horseradish
2 Tbsps fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
1 tsp tabasco sauce
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce

Combine all well and chill at least 2 hours or up to 2

Savory Vegetable Dip

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, crushed fine
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp minced onion

Combine all and blend well. Refrigerate at least an hour to combine flavors. Serve with vegetables or crackers for dipping.