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My favorite Christian celebration is almost here and I can hardly wait. For me, Easter marks the bursting forth of nature in its spring finery. Many of its signs are in the form of plants, trees, animals and the disappearance of snow that covered the ground that seemed like for such a long time. The pussywillows have been displaying their catkins for awhile now. They are perhaps the first flower of spring and I love to gather them to bring into the house as a reminder that yet another spring has come, even if the weather isn’t just as we would like it to be. When I think of Easters past, my thoughts are of the excitement for this very special Christian holiday.

The decorating of eggs in the Slovak style, getting five little children dressed in their finest for Easter morning worship, and for me, singing songs of celebration that “Christ has Risen” at three worship services at Elim, and now those five children and their spouses with their children, come home for an Easter dinner of ham, polish sausage (Kielbasa) and all the trimmings. If your meal is planned, you probably won’t be trying what follows, but save them for another time.

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This potato casserole recipe is one I’ve used for several years. It’s a keeper!

EASTER POTATO

CASSEROLE

8 medium potatoes, cooked in “jackets,” cooled, peeled and cubed to make 6 cups

1/4 c. melted butter

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 c. sour cream (lite may be used)

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

3 green onions, sliced (including tops)

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 c. crushed corn flakes

In a large bowl, combine butter and soup until smooth; blend in sour cream, seasonings, onions and 1-1/2 c. cheese. Add potatoes to mixture, stirring gently until mixed well.

Turn into buttered 2-1/2 qt. casserole or oblong baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle with rest of cheese, then crumbs and continue to bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 10-12.

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Fresh broccoli is such a colorful addition to a meal, let alone it’s an extremely healthy veggie for us to eat. Try it this way.

LEMONY BROCCOLI

1 medium bunch of broccoli, cut into 12 spears

3 T. butter or margarine

1-2 oz. jar diced pimiento, drained

pinch of salt

1/8 t. cayenne pepper (red pepper)

2 T. freshly grated lemon peel

Put broccoli spears in a 10-inch skillet; add enough water to not quite cover. Bring to a full boil; cook over medium heat until broccoli is crisp tender, 5-7 minutes. Drain, return to skillet. Add rest of ingredients, pushing broccoli to the side just until butter is melted. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until broccoli is heated through, 5-7 minutes. Serves 4.

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This vegetable dish can go in the over alongside the ham.

COMPANY VEGETABLE CASSEROLE

1-15 oz. can green beans, drained

1-15 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained

1 can cream of celery soup, undiluted

1/2 c. sour cream

1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 c. chopped onion

1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted

3/4 c. saltine cracker crumbs

1/4 c. sliced almonds, toasted

In a bowl, combine first six ingredients. Pour into an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish. Combine butter, crumbs and almonds; sprinkle over veggies. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 6-8.

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This dessert reminds me of a cream-filled chocolate covered Easter egg bedecked with cherries.

CHOCOLATE CHERRY DESSERT

26 chocolate wafer cookies, crushed

1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted

1 c. sour cream

1-3.9 oz. pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix

3/4 c. milk

1-21 oz. can cherry pie filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan. Put in freezer for 10 minutes.

In another mixing bowl, combine sour cream, pudding and milk; beat on low for 1-1/2 minutes. Spread over crust. Spoon pie filling on top. Cover and refrigerate three hours. Serves 9.

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May your Easter celebration be bright with happiness and your faces beaming with joy as we celebrate the good news that He is Risen! As we would say in Slovak: Christos Voskrese (Christ is Risen), Voistinnu Voskrese (He is Risen, indeed!).

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