Spring Into
Family Entertaining
Tangy Apricot Glazed Ham,
Orzo With Artichokes & Lemon and
Roasted Eggplant-Stuffed Tomatoes
(Family Features) - Springtime celebrations have a special flavor that other
festive occasions lack. While the winter holidays are cozy
by the hearth, and autumn briskness gives Thanksgiving a
special tang, the events of spring - Easter, Mother's Day,
graduation or a special occasion such as a bridal shower -
have a freshness and gaiety that is as much the result of
the return of sun and warmth as the occasion being
celebrated.
It's easy to capture the mirth and breeziness of springtime
when planning a special event. Let the newly minted season
be your guide, whether the occasion is the family Easter
dinner or a bridal brunch. Once the choice has been made
about the nature of the event - buffet, sit-down meal,
formal, informal, etc. - look for simplicity in menu items
as well as table arrangements. A dramatic bouquet of Easter
lilies or scattered small pots of African violets can set
the tone for the event with minimal fuss.
Regardless of the nature of the occasion, the first step is
to choose an entrée that can serve a variety of functions,
yet doesn't require a lot of advance preparation. An
excellent solution is bone-in ham. Cook's brand bone-in
spiral sliced hams provide an elegant centerpiece entrée for
any occasion - both the preparation and serving are almost
effortless. Unlike other bone-in hams, Cook's are sold
unglazed so home chefs can shine with their own special
recipe. Those who are pressed for time or ideas can rely on
the glaze packets included with the ham or use the recipe
for a festive spring flavor.
are a popular way to serve large numbers of people. Cook's
spiral sliced ham is an excellent solution for buffets where
guests serve themselves - since the meat is presliced it
falls away from the bone easily so there's no struggling
with it while juggling a full plate.
- With the ham as centerpiece for a deceptively elaborate
buffet, consider how to balance the table with an array of
side dishes, sweet breads and desserts that can be easily
served and enjoyed. Look for easy side dish recipes that can
be prepared in advance and served at room temperature or
reheated, such as a leek and potato cheese casserole or Orzo
With Artichokes & Lemon. Take advantage of the spring
produce with a California salad of orange slices, mild onion
and avocados on a bed of baby greens in a citrus vinaigrette
or offer fresh steamed asparagus. Round out the menu with
bakery rolls and quick breads that can be made in advance
and frozen, such as banana bread or peach muffins. Keep
dessert simple - trays of cookies, bars and sweets can be
easily balanced in one hand with a cup of coffee in the
other.
- For a spring-scented sit-down dinner, serve spiral sliced
ham with hot accompaniments, such as Roasted Eggplant-
Stuffed Tomatoes and new potatoes with chives. Pass the hot
rolls with easy-to-make herbed butter. Dessert can be as
sinful as coconut custard tart or as divine as angel food
cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
- If there's more than one festive occasion on your calendar,
a bone-in ham can be your best friend. After serving it for
Easter dinner, dice and freeze any leftover ham. It can be
added to a variety of casseroles for delicious brunch
entr233;es, such as quiche Lorraine or ham and cheese strata.
Or it can be used in sandwiches at more casual gatherings.
For these and other recipe ideas, visit www.cooksham.com.
Tangy Apricot Glazed Ham
1 Cook's brand Bone-in Spiral Sliced Ham, Butt or Shank Portion Ham or Half Ham
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons chili sauce
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons dry mustard
Prepare and heat ham according to package directions.
Meanwhile, to prepare glaze, combine all ingredients in
saucepan and heat gently.
Brush glaze on ham 30 minutes before meat is done; leave
uncovered. Heat ham uncovered for final 30 minutes. Carve
ham and serve.
Yield: Varies depending on size of ham
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 to 2 1/2 hours
Ease of Preparation: easy
Orzo With Artichokes & Lemon
2 cups orzo
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced lemon zest
1 package (10 ounces) frozen artichoke hearts, thawed, pieces halved
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Cook orzo in large pot of boiling salted water until al
dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold
running water. Set aside.
Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When
hot, add garlic, lemon zest and artichoke hearts; cook 3
minutes until tender.
Stir in orzo; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes longer until
heated through. Remove skillet from heat; stir in lemon
juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve
immediately.
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ease of Preparation: easy
Roasted Eggplant-Stuffed Tomatoes
3 medium eggplants or 6 small eggplants, stems trimmed
9 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
Salt and freshly ground pepper
12 medium-size ripe tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise;
turn halves flesh-side up. Cut slashes in crosshatch
pattern, about 1-inch apart. Drizzle cut sides with 6
tablespoons olive oil; sprinkle with herb seasoning. Place
halves on foil-lined baking sheet, cut-sides up. Bake
eggplants until soft, about 45 minutes.
When cool enough to handle, scrape flesh into bowl. Stir to
mash lightly; season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut 1/2-
inch slice from top of each tomato. Spoon out seeds and
loose flesh to hollow out shells, leaving 1/4-inch borders
all around. Turn tomatoes upside down on paper towel to
drain 5 minutes. Fill tomato shells with roasted eggplant.
Place on baking sheet and drizzle with remaining oil. Bake
at 350°F until tomatoes are tender and filling is heated
through, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before
serving.
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Ease of Preparation: easy
SOURCE: Cook's Ham
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