We love this time of year! Spring has sprung, flowers are blooming, and it’s lighter later. Easter is a good time to focus on the family and reflect on all of the gifts in our lives. When we think about Easter, we think of good food, going to church, family picnics and egg hunts! In the spirit of the holiday, we wanted to give some family fun ideas to try out this year including: an adult easter egg hunt, our new favorite ham and carrots recipes, and a free coloring page for the kiddos!
Adult Easter Egg Hunt
Who says the hunting is only for the kids? I’ve had friends participate in Easter egg hunts, even with their now adult children and it is the best memory building activity! When you are thinking about what to hide, remember that you don’t have to spend a ton of money!
Items to include:
- Starbucks Gift Cards
- Movie Tickets
- Full Size Candy Bars
- Coupons for dinner with mom
- Lottery Tickets
- Nail polish
- Gum
- Costume Jewelry
- Funny Fortune Slips
Invite the neighbors, cousins, co-workers and community to be involved – it makes for great memories!
Slow Cooker Ham
Why spend a ton of money on a honey-baked ham when you can set it and forget it while you head to the church for Easter Sunday service.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) sliced pineapple
- 1 fully cooked boneless ham (about 6 pounds), cut in half
- 1 jar (6 ounces) maraschino cherries, well drained
- 1 jar (12 ounces) orange marmalade
DIRECTIONS
- Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set juice aside. Place half of the pineapple in an ungreased 6-qt. slow cooker. Top with the ham pieces. Add cherries, remaining pineapple and reserved pineapple juice. Spoon marmalade over ham. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until heated through.
- Remove to a warm serving platter. Serve pineapple and cherries with sliced ham. Yield: 20 servings.
Honey Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots
Tender honey brown sugar roasted carrots seasoned and baked to perfection make the perfect Easter holiday or everyday easy side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots, tops trimmed at about 2 inches (see note)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss carrots with oil and season with salt and pepper to taste and arrange carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Combine butter, brown sugar, honey, Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, and garlic in a small sauce pan and stir over medium high heat until completely melted and mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and pour over carrots.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Serve immediately.
Notes
Baby carrots are simply smaller, thinner full carrots. If you only have larger carrots, make sure you slice them in half lengthwise so that they are half the thickness and cook properly.
Children’s Activities
If you are tired of the mess of dying Easter eggs, try sitting down with a special coloring page instead! Host a contest for everyone to vote on the winner of the best coloring job and award that child with a special prize – who doesn’t love a little holiday happy?