Easter Menu - Preparing with Preserves

Springtime is a great time to look through what extras we have in our canning cupboards.  With planting season soon upon us, what better time to prepare an Easter meal with those extra items in our cupboard.  We thought we would post this now to give you ideas while planning your Easter menu.

Vegetable Salsa Soup

Shake off the last of the winter chills with this warm yet fresh soup.  Your guests will thoroughly enjoy this new take on an old favourite.  Use a fresh jar of salsa from your pantry and any frozen or dehydrated vegetables to brighten up this standby soup.  

Chutney Baked Brie

This is a straightforward but impressive appetizer to whet the appetite of your guests.  Any type of chutney could be used from your cupboard to add delightful flair to your Easter table.  It tastes great and is fun to pass around the table.

Fruit Vinaigrette

We love this recipe from Smuckers.  Use just about any flavour of jam you have in your fridge or cupboard.  Additional suggestions for variations, allow you to make this dressing completely your own and to blend the flavour profiles to compliment your entire menu.

Glazed Ham

A tradition that so many associate with Easter.  This glazed ham recipe combines sweet and spicy together to add a little of the unexpected to the dinner table. The great thing about this recipe is that it can use up all those extra jars of jam before the new crop of fruit comes along.

Rhubarb Pie

Cap off your meal with a rhubarb pie with frozen fruit in the freezer.  Bake this pie a day before to ease your efforts on the day of your celebration.  This sweet and tart confection is a great companion to after dinner coffee.  It will hint at the new growing season just around the corner.