Easter Dinner Made Easy

Easter tradition means spiral-cut ham in our home!

We had a really delicious, simple Easter dinner this year, since it was at different times due to work shifts. We purchased a spiral-cut ham at Smiths, but it had a really delicious candy-apple glaze! What a treat!
   

The rest of the dinner was simple - home-made scalloped potatoes and green beans, with lemon meringue pie. Since we hadn't had a spiral cut ham for a year and a half, it was especially delicious. Good thing, because we'll be noshing on it for quite a while.

The scalloped potatoes are quite easy. You slice 6-8 peeled potatoes thinly and layer them in a greased casserole dish with thinly sliced onions. I used a red onion for flavor. Dot with bits of butter (about 1/4 cup total). Scald 1/2 - 3/4 c milk in a pot and stir in a paste made of 3-4 tbsp flour mixed with a bit of water. Heat just to simmering, until thickened. Pour over the potatoes and onions and sprinkle with about 3/4 c grated cheese. For more flavor, use sharp or extra sharp cheese. Bake in oven for an hour or more, until mixture bubbles over and around the vegetables and the edges are golden. The potatoes should be tender, but not mushy. They taste even better when reheated for another meal. 6-8 servings.

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

Scalloped Potatoes (Escalloped Potatoes) au Gratin

Here's a dish that seems to be French in nature but American/Canadian in flavor. It's just right for those cool fall and winter evenings, when you are craving something warm and comforting. Perfect with everything from roast to ham, and great for a special dinner or potluck. You can't beat a good scalloped potato dish as a crowd- or family-pleaser. (p.s. 'au gratin' means 'with cheese,' for those who may not know). Hint: You will want enough milk to cover the potatoes/onions before baking. As you can see, it evaporates slightly and puffs up the sides to create the tasty golden crust.

Scalloped potatoes au gratin

Ingredients

• 4-6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/4- 1/2 stick of butter or margarine
• 2 tbsp corn starch or flour
• 1 1/2 to 2 c scalded milk
• 1/2 pkg (6 oz or so) grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Mix potatoes and onions and place in greased 8c casserole
3. Dot with little pieces of butter or margarine and sprinkle with corn starch or flour
4. Heat milk until scalded (steaming but not boiling)
5. Pour over the potatoes and onions; ensure they are totally covered
6. Sprinkle with grated cheese
7. Bake in 350 F oven, on middle rack, for approximately 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and puffy.