Easter Dinner

I don’t know about you, however, I’m super excited about Easter this year! When my son was little, we would look for a new church  outfit, decorate eggs, create an Easter basket for him and all of my God-children (even shipped baskets out of state), and prepare a huge meal with friends. My son is 22 now, and clearly outgrown the traditions of making Easter baskets, decorating and hunting for eggs, however, he still loves to eat a good home cooked meal, so that brings me great joy! 

Due to working with clients out of state, I’m rarely home on Easter. This year proves no different than last. I’ll actually be in LA for Easter and looking forward to honey glazed ham, Mac n cheese, candied yams, greens and Hawaiian bread! My tradition of cooking hasn’t changed, however, it’s usually a pot luck situation with friends in the city where I’m working. I pray each of you enjoy your time with family and friends. I’m sharing a few recipes and hope you incorporate them into your Easter traditions. 

Download Side Dish Recipes Download Dessert Recipes

Candied Yams

5 large yams peeled and sliced thick

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 tbs butter

3 tbs water

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla extract

Spray a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Add yams, butter, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then turn to low-medium heat and cover. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. It should not be runny.

Collard Greens

1 smoked turkey leg or wing

1 jalapeño pepper (chopped)

1 small onion diced

4-5 bunches collards (cleaned and cut)

1 tbs season salt, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar

1 packet onion soup mix

7 cups water

In large pot, add water, turkey necks, season salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onions and chopped jalapeños. Bring to boil, turn to medium heat and let cook for 45 minutes covered. Add sugar, onion soup mix and greens then cover. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes. Turn heat to low, stir and cook additional 35 - 40 minutes.

Green Beans

2 pounds fresh green beans (remove string and snap in half)

1 smoked turkey leg or wing

1 tbs salt, pepper, garlic powder

In large pot, add smoked turkey and 5 cups of water. Bring to boil and cook for 45 minutes. Add green beans, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook on medium heat for an additional 30 - 40 minutes.

Sweet Potato Pie

3 eggs

1 stick butter

4 large sweet potatoes

½ cup ea granulated sugar and brown sugar

1 ½ tsp lemon or vanilla flavoring

1 tsp nutmeg and cinnamon (add more if needed)

½ - ¾ cup Evaporated milk

Bake the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool for an hour. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except evaporated milk. You want to add evaporated milk ¼ cup at a time. The goal is to have sweet potatoes that are not too thick or too loose. Make sure batter is smooth with next to no lumps.

Add batter to two 9” frozen pie crusts. Bake on 350 degrees until the top of the pie starts to crack (45 – 60 minutes).