Easter Menu

Like Christmas, for most families, Easter is a time to get together. While in Jamaica, most people stick to the tradition of no cooking before noon on Good Friday, others forgo this and make it a grand occasion. If you are having family or friends over for the holidays, here are some quick and easy recipes to try. Have a happy holiday!

Baked sweet potato

Most of us bypass sweet potato for its cousin, the Irish potato. But sweet potato is healthier, and for those of us who grew up in the country, we know how good it tastes when roasted. With its sweet taste, this recipe is perfect for Easter.

Sweet potatoes are baked then seasoned with salt and paprika or cinnamon and sugar.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, even in size
• vegetable oil
• butter
• salt and paprika or cinnamon or sugar

Preparation:

Scrub sweet potatoes and brush each with vegetable oil.

Arrange potatoes on oven rack and bake at 450°C for 35 to 45 minutes, until tender. Remove at once and prick with a fork to let steam out.

Cut a 11/2-inch cross in the centre of each potato. Hold each potato with a pot holder and press upwards until filling 'bursts' up through the cuts.

Top with butter and sprinkle with salt and paprika or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

Serves 4

Cook Time: 45 minutes

http://southernfood.about.com/od/sweetpotatoes/r/bl40329p.htm

Chocolate mousse

Ingredients

• 6 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Whipped cream and chocolate shavings, for garnish

Method

Put the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan containing about one inch of barely simmering water (or use a double boiler). Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Remove the bowl from the heat and let cool slightly. Then whisk the egg yolks into the chocolate, one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Then set aside.

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and the vanilla and continue beating until the cream holds soft peaks.

Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then, fold in the whipped cream. Take care not to overwork the mousse or it will be heavy. Divide the mousse between four individual glasses. Cover and chill for several hours. Garnish with whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings before serving.

Easter Eggs

The children are out of school so they can help with this one; it will be fun. Afterwards you can use food colouring to decorate the eggs.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds confectioner's sugar
• 1/4 pound margarine, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 ounces peanut butter
• 1 pound flaked coconut
• 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening

Method

1. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, margarine, cream cheese and vanilla extract. Divide the batter in half and place each half of the batter in a bowl. Stir peanut butter into one of the bowls and coconut into the second.

2. Using your hands, mould the dough into egg shapes and arrange the forms on cookie sheets. Place the eggs in the freezer until frozen.

3. Once the eggs have frozen, melt the chocolate and shortening (this can be done as in the mousse recipe above). Dip the eggs into the chocolate until coated. Place the eggs on wax paper lined cookie sheets and return to the freezer to harden. After the chocolate has hardened the eggs can be kept in the refrigerator.

Recipe from:allrecipes.com/

Mashed potatoes with garlic

This is an old-time favourite that is good any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 7 cups peeled and cubed baking potatoes
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper

Method

Place potatoes and garlic in a saucepan. Cover with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Drain and place drained potatoes and garlic in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients; beat with mixer until smooth.

Serves 6 to 8.