“Easter is one of the most cherished holidays in the calendar.”  Beta Sigma Phi Holiday Cookbook

What are some of your cherished Easter memories from childhood?

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6; NIV)

On Tuesday, we reminisced about the meatloaf we ate growing up.  Today, we’ll reflect back on our childhood Easter memories.  Am I becoming nostalgic?  I’m sure it has nothing to do with my age. J  What do you remember about how your family celebrated this holiest of holidays?  For Jerry and I, and many of our readers, Easter, first and foremost, signifies the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the reason we celebrate this holiday. 

However, there are many fun traditions also associated with this holiday.  For many of us, spring has sprung.  The cold, dark days of winter are rapidly coming to a close, being replaced with warmer temperatures and longer days.  The forsythia is in bloom and the fuchsia buds on the azaleas are pushing their way to brilliance.

Do you remember the thrill when you were a child of getting up early, hunting for Easter eggs, and then going to church as a family? (Growing up on a dairy farm meant that we first had to milk the cows before any Easter egg hunting.)   For us “girls,” it also meant a fancy, new dress.  I confess to that being one of the highlights for me.  I loved getting a new dress, patent leather shoes, and even little white gloves.

Easter was also a time when families got together, oftentimes for the first time since the Christmas holidays.  We would go to my maternal grandparents’ home where there were lots of cousins and lots of fun….and more egg hunting!  There was also LOTS of food.  Holidays seem to equal food, don’t they?

Today, we can still enjoy sharing an Easter meal with family or friends, without compromising our health.  In recent years, I’ve roasted a chicken and served it with lots of vegetables and various salads.  Fresh green beans are becoming available now that spring is in the air.  Green beans, lightly steamed and then tossed with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and sea salt make for a winning side dish.

Another food that I grew up with was pickled eggs and beets.  If you’ve never had them, don’t turn up your nose too quickly.  They’re a flavorful, and very pretty addition to an Easter dinner. Traditionally, they’re made using sugar and vinegar.  Several years ago, I created a healthier version substituting honey for the sugar.  I don’t usually do a recipe in Thursday’s Daily Gram.  However, today’s link is the recipe for pickled eggs and beets.  Enjoy!  Have a blessed Resurrection weekend!

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus and for all He has done for us.

Link of the Week
Pickled Eggs and Beets

Blessings on you as you enjoy a healthy Easter dinner.