Easter at the Farmer's Market

The Market Inspiration

One of the best things about the Farmer's Market is going near the holidays and seeing what I can find for holiday cooking and take advantage of some of the great items available, that you wouldn't get normally.  Here are a few tips for hosting with more joy and confidence, as well as a farmers market appetizer and dessert. Hosting a holiday get-together should be fun, not a stressful burden!

1. Be Proud of What You Make. Don't apologize for your food or let everyone know you burnt the edges a little or it doesn't look like the Pinterest photo. No one will notice the problem until you tell them about it. You are always your own worst critic. I am notorious for apologizing for not bringing a picture perfect dish, but it is something I am working on thanks to this sage advice from Julia Child.

2. Keep the Focus on Your Loved Ones. Plan to have dishes that you can prepare well before your guests arrive, or prepare all of the chopping and measuring before hand, then all you will need to do is assemble and cook. You want to be able to spend time with your guests when they arrive. If preparing in advance isn't an option, then have your guests join you in the kitchen and prepare together. Some of the most joyful memories I have made with my family and friends have been while making a meal together. Most guests will offer to help anyway, and people can often feel more comfortable if they have something to do or be a part of. Cooking brings people together, enjoy the journey!

3. Don't Be Bound to Tradition.  Reminisce and cherish the memories that come with making traditional family dishes, but don't forget to try new variations and make new traditions. Besides, with the ever growing lists of allergies and new diets, you will need to give some grace to what ingredients you may need to use from one year to the next.

Farmer's Market Appetizer. Appetizer's should be hand-held treats, able to be consumed in one to three bites at the most, so you shouldn't necessarily need a plate in order to eat them. Deviled eggs stand the test of time as an Easter appetizer. With Farmer's Market eggs and avocados as a substitute for the traditional mayonnaise, this can be a great treat that all of your guests will enjoy.

Farmer's Market Dessert. Dessert is hard to please a diverse group of guests. After a large meal, some couldn't even consider the notion of eating dessert. Making a dessert that guests can build themselves is an easy way to please a large crowd. You will need to choose a base (I'm using a Bakery fresh chocolate loaf cake), choose a fresh topping (berries are at the peak of ripeness in the Spring, so perfect for Easter), a topping with texture (I love toasted hazelnuts), and a cream (homemade whipped cream).

The Recipes

Deviled Eggs

6 Jumbo Eggs, Hard Boiled and Peeled
1 Ripe Avocado, Fuerte or Hass
1 tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
Optional: Cajun Seasoning for garnish

Combine the avocado, lemon juice, onion powder and salt in a bowl. Cut the hard boiled eggs in half lengthwise and place the whites on a serving tray and add the yolks into the bowl. Mix the filling until it is well combined. Using a piping bag or spoon add the filling into the indents of the whites. Garnish as desired.

Build your Own Dessert

1 Chocolate Loaf Cake
2 Pints Strawberries, rinsed and diced
1/2 Cup Roasted Hazelnuts, roughly chopped
1 Cup Whipped Cream
Any additional toppings you like

Place all of the toppings in separate serving bowls and place a serving spoon in each one. Let your guests do the rest.

The Pairing

If you are looking for a movie to watch, our favorite Easter movie is 1948's Easter Parade, starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. It is a fun and silly musical, which is the best kind of musical. - Z