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Some Favorite Easter Dishes....Please, add your own....

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  • Some Favorite Easter Dishes....Please, add your own....

    Leg of Lamb with Pan Gravy

    INGREDIENTS:
    1 leg of lamb, about 5 pounds
    4 cloves garlic, crushed
    2 teaspoons salt
    2 teaspoons dried leaf oregano, crushed ( Can substitute Rosemary if you prefer)
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
    1 cup dry red wine
    1/4 cup sliced green onions
    2 tablespoons lemon juice
    2 tablespoons flour
    1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
    salt and pepper to taste


    PREPARATION:
    Cut deep slits in meat at 2-inch intervals. Combine crushed garlic, salt, oregano, and pepper; press into the slits in meat. Place lamb on a rack, fat side up, in open roasting pan. Sprinkle lamb with Parmesan cheese. Mix red wine and green onions and lemon juice; reserve 1 cup of mixture for gravy.


    Brush lamb with a little of the remaining wine mixture. Brushing frequently with the wine mixture, roast at 325° for about 30 minutes per pound, or until thermometer reads about 175° for medium. Lift roast to a warm platter and make gravy.

    Pour juices into a measuring cup; skim off juices. Add water to juices to make 1 cup. Measure 2 tablespoons of the fat into the roasting pan, over medium low heat. Stir in flour scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Add meat juices and reserved red wine mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until hot and bubbly. Cook for 1 minute then season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Serve gravy with leg of lamb. Serves 8.


    Asparagus au Gratin
    Asparagus au gratin recipe contains mushrooms and a white sauce with Parmesan cheese.

    INGREDIENTS:
    1 pound trimmed asparagus spears, fresh or frozen
    salt and pepper
    8 ounces sliced mushrooms
    2 tablespoons butter
    1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    1 1/4 cup milk
    2 teaspoons lemon juice
    2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

    PREPARATION:
    Heat warming drawer or preheat oven to 225°. Put asparagus in a pan large enought o hold them lying flat. Pour enough boiling water in the pan to cover aparagus; add salt, to taste. Cover and simmer gtenly for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender.

    Lift asparagus out carefully with a spagula; transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking liquid. Arrange asparagus with tips all pointing in one direction on a warm, ovenproof serving dish; cover and keep warm in warming drawer or in a 225° degree oven. Simmer mushrooms in half of reserved asparagus liquid (2 tablespoons) for about 2 minutes, or until tender. Drain and arrange over the bottom half of asparagus, leaving tips uncovered. Cover and continue to keep warm while making sauce.
    In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Continue to cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden in color. Remove from heat; gradually stir in milk, the remaining half of asparagus cooking liquid (2 tablespoons), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Return sauce to heat; simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour over mushrooms and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Asparagus tips will remain exposed. Cover exposed asparagus with foil; place dish under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until sauce with cheese is browned.

    Asparagus au gratin recipe serves 4.


    Garlic Smashed Potatoes

    Ingredients:

    4 Large potatoes, peeled and cubed
    4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
    1/2 Cup milk, heated
    2 teaspoons Garlic Valley Farms Roasted Garlic Juice
    1/4 Cup sour cream
    Salt and pepper, to taste


    Place the potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash slightly.
    In a small saucepan, heat milk and Garlic Valley Farms Roasted Garlic Juice. Slowly add milk to potatoes with butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Mix well by hand or with an electric mixer. Beat until smooth. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

    Yield: 4 portions of outrageously delicious Garlic Mashed potatoes.
    Note: 8 sprays Garlic Valley Farms Roasted Garlic Juice = 1 teaspoon.Note: 8 sprays Garlic Valley Farms Roasted Garlic Juice = 1 teaspoon.
    Angela

    If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

    BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

  • #2
    Since Western Easter and Greek Easter are the same Sunday this year I wanted to add my Famous Spanakopita...it's a little labor intense, but worth it (according to my family)

    2 (10oz) packages of frozen spinach squeezed dry
    1 pound of Feta cheese, crumbled
    1 pound of cottage cheese
    6 large eggs, beaten slightly
    1 bunch scallions, chopped or 1/4 cup dehydrated onions
    1 tsp fresh basil, chopped or 1/2 tsp dried
    1 pound phyllo dough (about 20-22 sheets)
    1 pound butter (use the real thing, please) melted

    Thaw out spinach and squeeze out juice until nearly dry (can place in colander to do this). Place in large bowl and add all ingredients except butter and Phyllo. Mix thoroughly. With pastry brush grease bottom and sides of 9x13 inch pan with melted butter.

    Remove phyllo dough from wrapper and open flat on a large piece of wax paper and then cover woith another piece of wax paper. Cover this with a slightly damp towel (dough needs to be kept covered at all times or it will dry out rapidly).

    Remove 1 phyllo sheet and place in buttered pan, leaving an oveerhang to rim on pan. Keep doing this until you have all 4 sides of the pan with a 3 sheet overhang (sheet of dough may need to be overlapped in the pan to acheive this).

    Important: All sheets must be buttered lightly as you layer them. Fit 2 or 3 of sheets in middle of pan, doubling the sheet, if necessary, to form a good base. Do not overahng these. Remember you want the base "crust" thick enough to be able to be firm when cooked so it can be easily removed from the pan.

    Spread spinach mixture evenly over the sheets with spatula making sure it is also in the corners. Take 1 sheet of phyllo and place over spinach mixture; butter lightly. This sheet can be doubled over in the center of the pan. After this sheet is on top of spinach mixture, turn the overhanging phyllo down toward the center, shortr sides first then longer sides. Butter well; this will for a sort of packet.

    Now, cut the rest of the phyllo about 1/2 inch bigger than the pan. Use all smaller pieces in between larger pieces, butter each. Now,m center the larger poieces of phyllo and butter, tucking in with pastry brush along the edges for a nice smooth look. Use butter sparingly on the last 2 or 3 sheets. Place pan in refridgerator for 1/2 hour.

    Pregeat oven to 350 degrees. Remove pan from refridgerator and with a sharp knife score through several of the top most layers of phyllo into desired size squares. (sprinkle top lightly with water- optional) Bake 1 hour or until top is golden brown. Cool before cutting through and through.

    If using a 18x11 pan use this receipt plus 1/2 again. Freezes well. Defrost desired pieces and heat in oven until warm.
    “ Peace, if it ever exists, will not be based on the fear of war but on the love of peace. ”

    — Herman Wouk

    Comment


    • #3
      Deviled Eggs

      We still like to color our eggs on Good Friday. For Easter we always bring my deviled eggs to use up the 2 dozen colored goodies. Simple and yummy there are never any left-overs

      Horseradish Deviled Eggs


      INGREDIENTS
      6 hard-cooked eggs
      1/4 cup mayonnaise
      1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
      1/2 teaspoon dill weed
      1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
      1/8 teaspoon salt
      Dash pepper
      1 dash paprika

      DIRECTIONS
      Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks; set whites aside. In a bowl, mash the yolks. add mayonnaise, horseradish, dill, mustard, salt and pepper; mix well. Pipe or spoon into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until serving.
      Lawren
      ------------------------
      There are many wonderful places in the world, but one of my favourite places is on the back of my horse.
      - Rolf Kopfle

      Comment


      • #4
        Joyce....Spanakopita, yummy!!!

        I love the recipe, but was wondering if I could use Feta cheese, opposed to cottage cheese. If so, how much do you think I would use.....Not sure if the amount would be equal to cottage cheese. Thanks!!!

        Lawren....Great way to use up those colored eggs. Deviled eggs has always been one fo my favorites!
        Angela

        If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

        BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

        Comment


        • #5
          Before DH had a cholesterol issue I used to use all Feta. Use a total of three pounds...there's never too much Feta!

          If you have a good Greek grocery near you get the Feta packed in brine as opposed to the stuff you see in the grocery in plastic packages. The difference is wonderful! Buy it in the chunk and crumble it yourself.

          Joy
          “ Peace, if it ever exists, will not be based on the fear of war but on the love of peace. ”

          — Herman Wouk

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks!!!!


            Originally posted by joycapecod View Post
            Before DH had a cholesterol issue I used to use all Feta. Use a total of three pounds...there's never too much Feta!

            If you have a good Greek grocery near you get the Feta packed in brine as opposed to the stuff you see in the grocery in plastic packages. The difference is wonderful! Buy it in the chunk and crumble it yourself.

            Joy
            Angela

            If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

            BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

            Comment


            • #7
              I only make the following 2 recipes at Eastertime only. If I made them all the time, we would probably have heart problems and weigh a ton.

              I am only 50% Italian, but you would think I am 100% by the way I cook.

              The following 2 recipes have been handed down and my family looks forward to them each year.

              Pizza Chena (Meat Pie)- I don't know what region this is from because my family is from Naples and Sicily. We use this as an appetizer..or for coffee...or for breakfast, lunch...snack

              1 1/2 lb Ricotta
              6 whole eggs
              1 lb basket cheese (cut into small cubes)
              1/2 lb prosciutto ( cut into small cubes)
              1/2 lb genoa Salami (cut into small cubes)
              1/2 lb pepperoni (again, cut into small cubes)
              4 hard boiled eggs ( you guessed it, small cubes)
              1/2 grated cheese ( I use pecorino)
              1 small whole mozzarella ( small cubes)
              Pillsbury Crusts (1 box)

              Mix eggs together ricotta and whole eggs...stir in the rest of the ingredients...put into pie shell with one of the crusts, top with the other..be sure to add vents.

              Bake at 350, for 45 to 60 minutes. It will be done when you insert a knife and it comes out clean.


              Pizza Dolce (Sweet Pie)- without adding rice
              or Ricotta Rice Pie- with adding rice

              Filling:
              1 lb ricotta
              3/4 c sugar
              3 eggs
              1/2 c heavy cream
              grated rind of 1 orange (sometimes I use lemon and/or orange)
              1/2 tsp vanilla pinch of cinnamon
              Optional- cooked rice..about 1/2 pint

              Mix all together and fill your favorite pie crust ( I use 1 pillsbury pie crust, no top on this pie, just sprinkle cinnamon)

              Bake 350 about 1 hr

              I usually use some leftover rice from the chinese restaurant..works well.

              I usually double the Pizza Chena recipe and quadruple the Rice Pie recipe..this way everyone has some to take home.

              Comment


              • #8
                Rabbit Caciatore:
                Cook just like chicken cacciatore, except use rabbit. Great revenge dish for kids who struck out on the easter egg hunt.
                Tastes like chicken.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by tonyg
                  Rabbit Caciatore:
                  Cook just like chicken cacciatore, except use rabbit. Great revenge dish for kids who struck out on the easter egg hunt.
                  Tastes like chicken.
                  We fully support the idea of rabbit for Easter. Best one a couple of years ago was a rotisseried rabbit with an cranberry, sage and basil stuffing. My DD fixed it so I don't have a recipe to share.

                  I think recipes are for wusses and women. When a guy is driving he doesn't ask for directions. When a guy cooks, he doesn't use a recipe.

                  ****

                  Oh, and if you can, get the kids involved in skewering the rabbit before it goes on the rotisserie. Great family fun!!
                  “Maybe you shouldn't dress like that.”

                  “This is a blouse and skirt. I don't know what you're talking about.”

                  “You shouldn't wear that body.”

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I make the 'Meat Pie' also......One of my all time favorite things. We really look forward to this each year. It's a big job but I serve it on Easter Saturday, and then serve smaller slices as appetizers on Easter Sunday.

                    I love learning how others are preparing their pies. There are so many regional variations. I will add my recipe, when I return form work.


                    Originally posted by jericap View Post
                    I only make the following 2 recipes at Eastertime only. If I made them all the time, we would probably have heart problems and weigh a ton.

                    I am only 50% Italian, but you would think I am 100% by the way I cook.

                    The following 2 recipes have been handed down and my family looks forward to them each year.

                    Pizza Chena (Meat Pie)- I don't know what region this is from because my family is from Naples and Sicily. We use this as an appetizer..or for coffee...or for breakfast, lunch...snack

                    1 1/2 lb Ricotta
                    6 whole eggs
                    1 lb basket cheese (cut into small cubes)
                    1/2 lb prosciutto ( cut into small cubes)
                    1/2 lb genoa Salami (cut into small cubes)
                    1/2 lb pepperoni (again, cut into small cubes)
                    4 hard boiled eggs ( you guessed it, small cubes)
                    1/2 grated cheese ( I use pecorino)
                    1 small whole mozzarella ( small cubes)
                    Pillsbury Crusts (1 box)

                    Mix eggs together ricotta and whole eggs...stir in the rest of the ingredients...put into pie shell with one of the crusts, top with the other..be sure to add vents.

                    Bake at 350, for 45 to 60 minutes. It will be done when you insert a knife and it comes out clean.


                    Pizza Dolce (Sweet Pie)- without adding rice
                    or Ricotta Rice Pie- with adding rice

                    Filling:
                    1 lb ricotta
                    3/4 c sugar
                    3 eggs
                    1/2 c heavy cream
                    grated rind of 1 orange (sometimes I use lemon and/or orange)
                    1/2 tsp vanilla pinch of cinnamon
                    Optional- cooked rice..about 1/2 pint

                    Mix all together and fill your favorite pie crust ( I use 1 pillsbury pie crust, no top on this pie, just sprinkle cinnamon)

                    Bake 350 about 1 hr

                    I usually use some leftover rice from the chinese restaurant..works well.

                    I usually double the Pizza Chena recipe and quadruple the Rice Pie recipe..this way everyone has some to take home.
                    Angela

                    If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

                    BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Pizza Chena is actually one of my favorites. My mom made it every easter and it was the best I ever had. I think it may be Sicilian in origin, but with food it's very hard to pinpoint the origin. I've never made it and won't even look at the recipe for fear I would soon balloon to 300 lbs.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by tonyg
                        Pizza Chena is actually one of my favorites. My mom made it every easter and it was the best I ever had. I think it may be Sicilian in origin, but with food it's very hard to pinpoint the origin. I've never made it and won't even look at the recipe for fear I would soon balloon to 300 lbs.

                        Yeah....Nobody ever said that it was low-cal. And, don't even ask about the cholesterol count. I'm sure that it's deadly!!!

                        I figure that once a year, won't kill us. But, you never know.

                        Anyway, I make two different versions. One is similar to what jericap posted, so I won't post that one. Here is the other....

                        This recipe is enough to make three 'Layered Pizza Rustica/Chena' pies...

                        Easter Pie Dough....

                        2 cups flour
                        1/2 teaspoon salt
                        1/2 cup butter ( cut into pieces)
                        ice water as needed ( Approximately 1/2 cup)

                        Add the flour & salt to food processor.

                        Drop in butter chunks, one at a time, and add water as needed.

                        Or....Pillsbury Pie Crust (Red Box)


                        12-18 0z freshly grated Parmesan
                        1-Ricotta Cheese in a basket (unsalted)
                        1-3 Lb tin of Ricotta Cheese
                        1-Large, fresh Mozzarella Cheese ( in water, or Easter Cheese)
                        12 Hard boiled eggs
                        3 beaten egg whites
                        6-9 beaten eggs
                        1/2-3/4 Lb each.....

                        Hard Salami
                        Prosciutto
                        Sopressata
                        Hard Sweet Italian Sausage, or cappacola

                        1) Flour 3 tins, and layer bottoms of tin with pastry dough
                        2) boil 12 eggs, and cut them into slices
                        3) cut meat into 1/4" bite size pieces

                        Layer Pie......Pie should be layered one cheese, than one meat. Do not layer two cheeses, or meats together.

                        1st Layer.....Proscuitto
                        2nd Layer.....Riccotta in basket...mix Parmesian Cheese into Riccotta
                        3rd Layer.....Sopressata
                        4th Layer of sliced hard boiled eggs
                        5th Layer.....Riccotta in tin
                        6th layer.....Sweet Sausage
                        7th Layer Mozzarella Cheese

                        Cover pie with a thin layer of dough, pinching top and bottom layers of dough together. Make 10 insertions in dough, down to bottom of pie. Pour 2-3 eggs over each pie. Gently shake pies to enable beaten egg to trickle down to the bottom of pie.

                        You can opt to decorate top layer of dough, at this point, if you choose.

                        Cook in 350 degree oven for approximately 1 hour. Or, until golden brown....Last 15 minutes, brush beaten egg whites over dough, for sheen.

                        Note....2" pie shell is recommended!!!

                        Refrigerate covered until cool. This pie should be served at room temperature.
                        Angela

                        If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

                        BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          it's always interesting to see all the regional variations on Pizza Chena...i wonder how many there are?

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I never heard of pizza chena so this was great to see.
                            Angela, just reading the recipe for yours put 5 lbs on, but I'd like to try it... I know it would go over big here.
                            Nice thread! Like the lamb and spinach pie too..

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by IreneLF
                              I never heard of pizza chena so this was great to see.
                              Angela, just reading the recipe for yours put 5 lbs on, but I'd like to try it... I know it would go over big here.
                              Nice thread! Like the lamb and spinach pie too..
                              Irene.....It is extremely fattening, but boy does it taste good. The layered version is more difficult than the mixed version. I do both, depending on my energy level. and, both are delicious. I think for your first try, you may be better off going with the mixed version, such as jericap posted.

                              I will post my mixed version tomorrow.
                              Angela

                              If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

                              BTW, I'm still keeping track of how many times you annoy me.

                              Comment

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