Easter is synonymous with juicy pieces of meat, hearty soups, and delicious sweet treats. We have tricks and quick recipe ideas for an effortless feast. That way, you can sit back and relax . . . or take part in the traditional Easter egg hunt!
Hop! Into the crockpot!
The crockpot is a true time-saver! There’s no need to keep watch at the stove; simply throw your ingredients in and move on. Certain cuts of meat work especially well in the slow cooker. These imposing pieces are sure to feed everyone, and you’ll probably have plenty leftover for lunch the next day!
Ham, pork shoulder, and blade roast
Mmm… Pineapple ham! A delight every time! What’s Easter without this classic, elevated with pineapple slices, cloves, and Dijon mustard? Here’s a recipe that’s perfect for the occasion!
Pork shoulder is another Easter staple. A boneless piece is ideal for the slow cooker. We recommend trying our beer and maple syrup pork shoulder recipe. It’s sure to impress your guests, and it’s right on point with the sugaring off season that’s under way!
If you’re a fan of beef, blade roast is an excellent choice for the crockpot. This cut of meat, known for being less tender, will melt in your mouth after eight hours of low-temperature cooking.
Slow cooker sweets
Why not make dessert in the crockpot? There are so many options to choose from: carrot or chocolate cake, pouding chômeur, brownies, or crumble, for example. An easy way to indulge your sweet tooth!
Trick: Attach a few paper towels to the lid while cooking to prevent condensed water from falling onto your dessert.
Tips for optimal crockpot cooking:
- Avoid lifting the lid as much as possible to maintain the humidity and desired temperature.
- Follow the recipe to a T, especially when it comes to liquids, as this cooking style typically requires 50% less than in the conventional oven.
- Add fresh herbs about 10 minutes before the end to maintain their flavours.
Express recipes
Quick recipes are not limited to weeknights; they’re great for celebrations too! Here are a few suggestions of meals that take less than 30 minutes to prepare and are sure to have all your guests asking for more:
- Prosciutto-wrapped chicken thighs: Simply marinate the chicken and wrap a slice of prosciutto around them. Cook in the oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes. Serve with a gourmet broccoli and candied cranberry salad.
- Asian-style salmon steaks: Coat the steaks with sesame oil and grill five to six minutes. Turn over and coat with a mixture of orange marmalade and Hoisin sauce. Grill again until golden. Yum!
- Quiche: A timeless classic! Deliciously versatile, it can be made with the veggies and cheeses of your choice. If you’re in need of inspiration, try this succulent ham and maple quiche.
- Cream of asparagus: This elegant yet simple dish is one everyone will love! Simply top with crème fraîche for a most satisfying finish.
Cheat sheet
You can get started the night before, chopping up your veggies. You can also prepare some recipes such as pea soup or maple tartlets, ahead of time and freeze them.
Psst! Make recipes you know well to ensure it all goes smoothly. Save the experimenting for another day!
No-bake options to save time
You can save a lot of time (and dishes) by taking cooking out of the equation. Consider serving a cold appetizer, such as a spinach and pear salad, devilled eggs, or shrimp and avocado verrines.
For dessert, keep things light with a fruit salad . . . and top with whipped cream for a more decadent touch! There are also plenty of no-bake cheesecake recipes you can try.
With so many options to choose from, you can invite everyone over for Easter, stress-free!
