Easter menu

[Melody]

I am really going to have a houseful for Easter. It's also going to be ds4's first birthday. I was going to make this nice sounding citrus turkey roast but it's expensive for one and for two, it would take too long. So, I was thinking about what to make for 34 people. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, salads, etc. It just doesn't really sound like an Easter dinner to me. lol What all are you making and do you have any other suggestions for me that is going to save me time? I was thinking I could do the turkey the day ahead, carve it and then just reheat it. Also, can I peel the potatoes the day ahead and leave them in cold water over night or will they turn black?

[RCT]

no help from me, we are thinking of going to Easter Brunch at the country club by our house.

[Diane]

I am really going to have a houseful for Easter. It's also going to be ds4's first birthday. I was going to make this nice sounding citrus turkey roast but it's expensive for one and for two, it would take too long. So, I was thinking about what to make for 34 people. Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, salads, etc. It just doesn't really sound like an Easter dinner to me. lol What all are you making and do you have any other suggestions for me that is going to save me time? I was thinking I could do the turkey the day ahead, carve it and then just reheat it. Also, can I peel the potatoes the day ahead and leave them in cold water over night or will they turn black?

if you're going to peel the potatoes the day before, let them sit in equal parts milk/water over night in the refrigerator right up until you boil them. (it works... ) I've never done it with just plain water... it might work just as well, but I'm not sure.

I've also made my mashed potatos the night before
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1750,151182-252207,00.html and instead of heating them in the oven (just in case your oven is full) I've just put them in the crckpot or just heated them up in the microwave for 7 to 10 minutes.

I usually make my green bean casserole the night before also, and heated them in either in the microwave or the oven (or again... a crockpot) just before. I find the more I can do ahead of time the less frazzled I am the day of.

Good luck...

[Diane]

What all are you making and do you have any other suggestions for me that is going to save me time? I was thinking I could do the turkey the day ahead, carve it and then just reheat it. Also, can I peel the potatoes the day ahead and leave them in cold water over night or will they turn black?

Were invited over to my sisters house. She's having Ham, no turkey (were all turkied out from Thanksgiving and Christmas :lol: ) Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, she also makes this cheesy seafood salad... it's to die for. :licklips: Everyone kind of brings something so she's not stuck with all of the preparations. This year I'm bringing deviled eggs and am making some banana bread. It's not real Easterie... but it's all good, which is all that matters. :lol:

[vea29]

No clue what's going on for easter...have to talk to dbf.

[AnnW]

we never had turkey for easter...usually brisket or ham.
you can make the mashed potatoes the day before and put them in the crockpot. cover with melted butter, then just put the whole crockpot in the fridge. the next day, just set it to low and let it reheat.
hashbrown casserole is pretty good too and can be made ahead.

[Melody]

We have had turkey for Easter but ham as well. It just serves that many more people. Never thought of a brisket, good idea.

Diane, didn't know about the half water, half milk. Thanks. I love potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese. I think I will make that recipe and reheat the way Ann suggested the next day.
:)

[kat]

We usually have ham and a varitey of sides at my inlaws. Sometimes it's cold sandwiches and picnic type sides, other times it's a whole ham sliced hot and mashed potatoes, slaws, salads, etc.

[JAK]

I hadn't really planned on doing anything, but all this talk is making me want ham. I just might have to make one. Potato salad sounds good too.

[Diane]

We have had turkey for Easter but ham as well. It just serves that many more people. Never thought of a brisket, good idea.

Diane, didn't know about the half water, half milk. Thanks. I love potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese. I think I will make that recipe and reheat the way Ann suggested the next day.
:)

You'll be happy you did... it will save you a LOT of time. :)

[Melody]

You'll be happy you did... it will save you a LOT of time. :)

I hope so. I was thinking about buying a cake somewhere but the prices are crazy and I've decided to make one. I can do that ahead of time and freeze the cake but the icing will still need to go on it. Going to do a large square, covered in 'grass' out of icing and a white 3D bunny on top with little chocolate candy eggs around it and 'happy 1st b-day J' on it. Perfect for a first birthday landing on Easter. I'm a total sucker for punishment. LOL

[AnnW]

I found the most gorgeous kabobs at the grocery store yesterday. so after we get back from my dad's we are grilling them.
got beef, veggie and shrimp. yum!

[vea29]

I made a great roast pork, asparagus, salad, potato, Rolls, and dbf father made Onion soup...And I made brownies.

[Diane]

:licklips: sounds good. :)

[RCT]

Italian dinner for Easter is the way to GO! imho

Sounds like everyone had a great feast!

[Diane]

Italian dinner for Easter is the way to GO! imho

Sounds like everyone had a great feast!

I'd probably make Italian if we weren't invited somewhere else to eat. :)