Put On Your Easter Bonnet! No Frills Required!
These recipes are easy yet holiday notable. None require major preparation or special ingredients. Easter is just a week away. How time flys!
ASPARAGUS AND MUSHROOMS
A special treat
A great side for any day
Only 38 calories and 4 grams of carbs
INGREDIENTS
-1 bunch fresh asparagus
-1/2 pound fresh mushrooms
-2 tsp olive oil
-Seasoning to taste
-2 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced
MISE EN PLACE
-Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
-Lightly grease a baking tray with nonstick oil.
- Place asparagus and mushrooms in a bowl.
-Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and rosemary if you are using it. I don’t usually cook with rosemary. It’s probably one of those things that we describe as “not a seasoning my mom ever used.”
-Toss well.
-Lay vegetables on the prepared tray in an even layer.
-Roast in oven until asparagus is tender, about 25 minutes.
SQUASH WITH BACON
An old favorite
Faster than fast
INGREDIENTS
-3 or 4 crock neck or yellow squash, sliced into circles
-3 or 4 slices of bacon
-1/2 chopped onion, optional
-Black pepper to taste
MISE EN PLACE
-Cut each slice of bacon into 4 pieces.
-Spray Dutch oven with cooking spray.
-Cook bacon until it releases fat.
-Include onions now if using. Cook for about 4 or 5 minutes until softened.
-Add squash and cook until tender, probably less than 10 or 15 minutes depending on your preference.
Southern Living just sent out an email with numerous ways to prepare yellow squash. All of them looked delicious to me, but I really love squash. One of the recipes called for yellow squash and zucchini mixed and sautéed with onions. You may want to try this.
LEMON PIE FILLING CAKE COBBLER
Delicious
Easy for a busy holiday
INGREDIENTS
-1 box yellow cake mix
-2 cans lemon pie filling
-1/2 cup melted butter, salted or unsalted
I use whatever I have on hand.
MISE EN PLACE
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Spray a 9x13” ceramic* baking dish with baking or cooking spray.
-Melt 1/2 cup butter in a microwave safe bowl. Set it aside.
-Pour 2 can pie filling in the prepared dish.
-Spread it evenly with a spatula or spoon.
-Mix cake mix and butter in a medium bowl.**
-Spread it over the lemon filling.
-Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake layer gets a deep golden color.
-The filling should just start bubbling.
-Take care not to overcook the cake once you notice the filling has started bubbling.
*Glass or ceramic baking dishes are perfect for baking cake cobblers. Metallic dishes can turn the cake part too dark too soon before the fruit underneath sets.
If you’d like a double dose of lemon in this dessert, go for the lemon cake mix. White cake mix will also work.
**When I first made these cobbler cakes (referred to as dump cakes, a name I don’t like) I would sprinkle the cake mix over the fruit, then drizzle the melted butter on top. I was not successful getting the butter evenly across the top. Mixing the butter and cake mix together makes the topping bake evenly. One of my favorites is a fig cobbler cake, but fig preserves are hard to come by these days.
MINI MOCHA OREO PARFAITS
Perfect single serving dessert
Oreo lover’s delight
INGREDIENTS
-10 Double Stuff Oreos, crushed
-16-oz Extra Creamy Cool Whip
-3 Tbsp Cold coffee
-1 (5.9 oz) Chocolate Instant Pudding
-12 (4 oz) glass or plastic cups
MISE EN PLACE
-Start with thick bottom layer of crushed cookies pressed with a spoon to flatten.
-Fold cold coffee into Cool Whip and spread over crumbled cookies.
-Add layer of pudding and top with final layer of whipped cream.
-Garnish with cookies. For Easter, a chocolate egg or other candy can be used.
You may want to make a one-bowl treat in an attractive trifle dish, which is less work.
Just layer the above ingredients in a trifle bowl.
I have a great spring resolution for you. Practice saying “No!” If you feel overworked or under appreciated, realize that you can just say “No.” You don’t have to raise your voice, nor hesitate. When you realize it’s time to have a break, stand in front of your mirror and say “No.” Repeat until you are satisfied with your tone of voice and facial expression. You will be ready to say “No, I can’t manage that right now.” By the way, you can say “No” to resolutions.
Boo and I are off to Macon, Georgia, via an overnight in Pass Christian, with our travel companions, Nikki and Gerrod. Friday night we are attending a Joe Banamasso concert with back stage passes. Look him up; he’s actually famous. Home again Sunday getting ready for Easter and our granddaughter Shelby’s wedding.
Jusqu’a la semaine prochaine!