Skip the cereal and frozen foods for a spread like these Orange Eggs Benedict with a homemade hollandaise sauce. With six servings, it's perfect for a family breakfast at home.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Orange Eggs Benedict

Serves: 6

Orange Hollandaise:

• 2          egg yolks
• 1          orange, juice only
• 1/2       teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2       cup unsalted butter, melted

•             water
• 1          tablespoon white vinegar
• 6          eggs
• 1/2       cup butter, softened
• 6          French baguette slices, 3/4-inch thick each
• 6          thick slices ham
• 1/2       cup orange marmalade
• orange zest, for garnish

1. To make Orange Hollandaise: In small bowl, add egg yolks, orange juice and salt. Blend until combined. Gradually add melted butter into egg mixture while blending. Set aside.
2. In skillet, add water halfway up sides. Add vinegar. Bring to simmer. Break eggs into water to poach. Cook 3-4 minutes until whites are cooked through and yolks are still runny. Using slotted spoon, remove eggs and drain on paper towels.
3. Spread butter on one side of bread slices. Place bread in skillet and cook until golden brown. Add ham to same skillet and cook until browned on both sides..
4. To assemble, spread bread slices with orange marmalade. Top each with one slice cooked ham and one poached egg. Pour hollandaise over eggs and garnish with orange zest.

(Family Features) Many spring celebrations call for fabulous food, specifically dishes fit for brunch, even if your “crowd” is simply your nearest loved ones gathered at the family table. A wide variety of recipes may fit the festivities, but a combination of comforting bites with sweet and savory flavors is perfect for appeasing all appetites.

This menu of morning recipes includes Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken as a filling option to base the meal around with Breakfast Casserole as a more traditional dish. For a sweet sendoff, this Brown Sugar Bundt Cake is best served warm as a midday dessert or can be added to your plate as a simple side.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

A Sweet Morning Eat

Add flavor to your brunch with the sweet taste of honey as part of a remade rendition of a breakfast favorite: chicken and waffles.

This recipe for Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Chicken combines sweet with savory to shine as the main course for your gathering.

Find more recipe ideas at honey.com.

Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken

Recipe courtesy of chef Jenny Dorsey on behalf of the National Honey Board
Servings: 4

Chicken:

• 8          boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2          cups buttermilk
• 2          tablespoons kosher salt, divided
• 3/4       teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon rosemary, chopped
• 2          tablespoons orange blossom honey
• 2          cups all-purpose flour
• 2          teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1          teaspoon garlic powder
• 1          teaspoon onion powder
• 2          teaspoons paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon ancho chile powder
• vegetable oil, as needed

Waffles:

• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
• 2          teaspoons orange blossom honey
• 1          teaspoon orange zest
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/4    cups whole milk
• 2          large eggs
• 1/4       cup fresh chives, chopped
• 3/4       cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• honey

1. To make chicken: Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels; place in large bowl.
2. In separate bowl, combine buttermilk, 1 tablespoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, rosemary and honey. Pour buttermilk mixture over chicken; cover and let marinate 8 hours or overnight.
3. In separate mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining salt, remaining pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and ancho chile powder; stir.
4. Remove each piece of chicken from buttermilk, shake to remove excess liquid and dredge in flour mixture. Shake off excess.
5. In deep fryer, heat oil to 375° F. Fry chicken until internal temperature reaches 175° F or juices run clear, approximately 5 minutes per thigh.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. To make waffles: In large mixing bowl, mix flour, honey, orange zest, salt, baking powder, milk, eggs, chives and cheese until combined.
8. Use waffle maker to cook four waffles in batches.
9. Place chicken on waffles and drizzle with honey.

A Dairy-Fueled Brunch Dish

Whether it’s just part of a brunch spread or the focus of your meal, an egg-based casserole is a perfect way to appease a morning crowd.

This version of Breakfast Casserole calls for potatoes, ham, eggs, milk and cheese for a simple dish that requires little preparation before popping in the oven.

Visit milkmeansmore.org for more morning dishes.

Breakfast Casserole

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1          pound red or white potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• water
• 1/2       small onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2       teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4       teaspoon pepper
• 1          cup reduced-fat and reduced-sodium, chopped, cooked ham (about 4 ounces)
• 1          cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
• 4          eggs
• 1 1/2    cups skim milk
• 1          tablespoon mustard

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In large saucepan, cover potato pieces with enough water to just submerge. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Add onion. Return to simmer, covered, about 5 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly.
3. Coat 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place potato-onion mixture in baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Gently stir to combine. Sprinkle ham and cheese on top.
4. In medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk in milk, mustard and remaining salt. Pour over layers in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes, or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

A Bundt Cake for Brunch

Many brunch festivities may center around classic breakfast foods like quiches and fresh fruits, but you can take your gathering to the next level with a treat to pair with nearly any dish.

This Brown Sugar Bundt Cake can be the simple, sweet side your guests crave as a complement to the savory recipes on the table. Made using just a handful of household ingredients, including the flavor-boosting addition of C&H sugars, it can be created in about an hour and served warm during your next at-home brunch gathering.

Find more sweet treat ideas at chsugar.com.

Brown Sugar Bundt Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Browned Butter Blondie” on behalf of C&H
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2          cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1          teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1          teaspoon kosher salt
• 10        tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 3/4    cups packed C&H Golden Brown Sugar
• 1/4       cup C&H Granulated Sugar
• 2          large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2    teaspoons vanilla
• 1          cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• C&H Confectioners’ Sugar, for dusting

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Grease 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
4. In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix on low speed.
5. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with yogurt. Begin and end with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and use offset spatula to level batter.
7. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until cake is golden brown and toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. If cake browns too quickly while baking, cover with foil after 35 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and cool on baking rack 20 minutes. Invert pan onto baking rack and gently tap bottom of pan to release cake.
9. Cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Chive and Orange Blossom Honey Waffles and Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken)

Source:  Domino Golden Sugar
United Dairy Industry of Michigan

(Culinary.net) Appetizer-sized portions and small bites of all sorts are ideal for breakfast spreads, and these Pastry Brunch Cups are perfect for a quick morning snack. Try baking a batch and separating into appropriate serving sizes for a simple way to meal prep heading into a new week.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Pastry Brunch Cups

Serves: 18

• 2          tablespoons butter
• 2          tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2    cups milk
• 1          cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 2          sheets puff pastry
• 18        eggs
• 2          cups diced ham
• chopped fresh green onions

1. Heat oven 375 F.
2. In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking each time. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat; stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside.
3. Use rolling pin to thin out puff pastries. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup and sprinkle each with diced ham.
4. Bake 10-15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with chopped green onions.

(Family Features) Brunch with family and friends can be a treat any time of the year, but spring’s fresh, seasonal ingredients and warmer days practically beg loved ones to gather for the morning meal.

These cute, kid-friendly Bunny Oatmeal and Easy Egg Casserole recipes are simple and made with real foods like milk, bringing richness and flavor, and ingredients you can feel good serving to kids.

Whether it’s skim milk for lighter lattes with friends, 2% milk to wash down birthday cake or strawberry milk for a sweet celebration surrounding the game-winning goal, milk’s already a part of the foods – and meaningful moments – that matter.

For more kid-friendly, seasonal recipe ideas, visit milklife.com.

Bunny Oatmeal

Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Edwards of Creme de la Crumb on behalf of Milk Life
Servings: 1

• 1/3       cup instant oats
• 3/4       cup fat-free milk
• 1/4       teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4       teaspoon vanilla
• 1          teaspoon brown sugar
• 2/3       small banana
• 2          fresh blueberries
• 1/2       small strawberry
• chocolate syrup (optional)
• 1          glass milk (8 ounces)

1. In microwave-safe bowl, stir oats, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar. Microwave on high 30-60 seconds and stir.
2. Cut banana in half crosswise. Cut 1 1/8-inch thick coin slice from flat ends of each banana half. Place two banana slices in upper third of oatmeal bowl, side by side, to make eyes. Top each banana slice with one blueberry.
3. Place remaining banana halves at top of bowl, hanging out, to create ears.
4. Place strawberry in middle of bowl to make nose then drizzle chocolate, if desired, to make mouth and whiskers.
5. Serve with 8-ounce glass of real milk for added nutrition.

Nutritional information per serving: 320 calories; 2 g fat; 10 mg cholesterol; 18 g protein; 59 g carbohydrates; 5 g fiber; 190 mg sodium; 550 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk and include 8-ounce glass of milk.  

Easy Egg Casserole

Recipe courtesy of Milk Life
Servings: 1

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          cup lean ham, cubed
• 1          cup frozen seasoned potatoes with fresh onions and peppers
• 3/4       cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2       cup low-fat cheddar or Swiss cheese, shredded
• 6          eggs
• 3/4       cup fat-free milk
• 1          glass milk (8 ounces)

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Lightly coat 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. In bottom of casserole dish, arrange ham, potatoes, spinach and cheese.
2. In large bowl, beat eggs and milk. Pour mixture over ingredients in casserole dish. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed.
3. Serve with 8-ounce glass of real milk for added nutrition.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 9 g fat; 3 g saturated fat; 350 mg cholesterol; 32 g protein; 34 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 630 mg sodium; 500 mg calcium. Nutrition figures based on using fat-free milk and include 8-ounce glass of milk.

Source:  MilkPEP

For a simple yet satisfying breakfast idea, try this easy and delicious recipe for Cheesy Hash Browns.

Find more breakfast recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Cheesy Hash Browns

• 2          teaspoons canola oil
• 1          onion, chopped
• 1          bell pepper, chopped
• 1          pound frozen hash browns, thawed
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1/2       teaspoon pepper
• 4          ounces ham, diced
• 5          cheese slices
• 2          garlic cloves, minced

1. In skillet, heat oil. Add onion; cook 5-7 minutes. Add bell pepper and garlic; cook 3-5 minutes. Add hash browns, salt, pepper and ham; cook 18-20 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
2. Top with cheese slices; cook until melted. Stir into hash brown mixture.

(Family Features) Getting back in the swing of the school year routine can be hectic. With the right ingredients, though, lunchtime doesn’t have to be.

Kickstart your school lunch routine with these ideas for building easy-to-make, gourmet sandwiches sure to inspire envy in the lunchroom.

Bread – The foundation for nearly every sandwich, switching up your bread from traditional slices to something more creative, such as ciabatta, rye, pita or even a dinner roll like in this Hot Honey Ham Rolls recipe, can keep things interesting at lunchtime.

Meat – The main ingredient, choosing high-quality meat can make or break your sandwich experience. Inspired by bold flavors from around the globe, Kretschmar Master’s Cuts Deli Meats are gluten-free and feature no MSG or added hormones for a taste experience you can feel good about serving your family. When pressed for time, the line of premade deli sandwiches can make for a perfect grab-and-go meal.

Toppings and Condiments – Meant to boost flavor and add texture, a variety of toppings and condiments such as lettuce, mayonnaise, peppers, mustard and tomatoes are sandwich favorites. However, less common garnishes like fried eggs, hummus and avocado take this Maple Turkey Breast, Egg, Avocado Mash and Hummus Sandwich to the next level.

Cheese – Choosing a less common cheese, like Swiss or mozzarella, can be an easy way to experiment with the flavor of your sandwiches. An option like Kretschmar’s handcrafted gourmet cheeses possesses refined textures and fine flavors perfect for lunchtime or serving as part of a platter of meats and crackers as a snack or appetizer.

Find more quick and easy recipes at kretschmardeli.com. With the See It Live Sweepstakes, fans get more than just access, but an experience, a feeling of belonging, where you can enter for a chance to win tickets for a year.

Maple Turkey Breast, Egg, Avocado Mash and Hummus Sandwich

Prep time: 8 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1

• 1/4       avocado
• 1/2       lemon, juice only
• 2          slices flaxseed bread, toasted
• 1          tablespoon hummus, any flavor
• 1          fried egg, cooked over-medium
• 3-4       slices Kretschmar Master’s Cut Maple Turkey Breast
• fresh mozzarella cheese, thick sliced
• 1/2       red bell pepper, sliced
• 1          handful baby spinach

1. In bowl, mash avocado and combine with lemon juice. Set aside.
2. Spread one bread slice with hummus and second with avocado mash.
3. Add fried egg, maple turkey breast, mozzarella, red bell pepper and spinach.
4. Stack and cut in half.

Hot Honey Ham Rolls

Prep time: 3 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Topping:

• 1/4       cup honey
• 2          tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1          tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 8          tablespoons salted butter, melted

Rolls:

• 12        premade rolls
• 12        thick-cut slices Kretschmar Master’s Cut Hot Honey Ham
• 12        slices Kretschmar Swiss Cheese

1. To make topping: In small saucepan over medium heat, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, parsley and melted butter. Bring to simmer and remove from heat.
2. To make rolls: Heat oven to broil.
3. Split rolls in half and place on baking sheet cut-side up. Brush cut sides with honey butter. Place two halved hot honey ham pieces on bottom of each roll and top each with Swiss cheese slice.
4. Broil until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Carefully remove from oven and pour on remaining honey butter. Place tops on rolls and serve.

Source: Kretschmar

(Family Features) As parents and kids navigate back-to-school routines and extracurricular activities, making healthy food choices is essential to keep everyone energized and engaged. 

When it comes to selecting snacks and preparing meals, keep it simple and stock up on foods that are easy to prep and can be used in more than one way. One such food: fresh California grapes, which are abundant throughout the fall and into January. Crisp, juicy grapes can be eaten nearly anytime and anywhere, including school, the office and during after-school activities, at home or away.

Whether eaten fresh or frozen for a cool treat, grapes are a healthy, hydrating alternative to highly processed and calorie-rich foods. They can also be used as an ingredient in easy weeknight meals like California-Style Pizza, cousin to Hawaiian pizza, where fresh grapes star instead of pineapple and prepared pizza dough gives the cook a head start. Frozen Yogurt-Dipped Grapes are an easy, fun snack or dessert that kids can help prepare.

For more snack and meal inspiration, visit grapesfromcalifornia.com.

California-Style Pizza

Servings: 8

• 1          pound prepared pizza dough
• 3/4       cup prepared pizza sauce
• 1 1/2    cups halved California seedless grapes
• 1          cup diced lean ham
• 1          cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Heat oven to 450° F.
2. Divide dough into eight equal portions. Spread into pizza rounds on baking sheets.
3. Spread with pizza sauce; sprinkle with grapes, ham and cheese. Bake until dough is lightly browned and cheese melted, about 12-14 minutes.

Nutritional information per serving: 220 calories; 11 g protein; 32 g carbohydrates; 6.2 g fat (24% calories from fat); 15 mg cholesterol; 573 mg sodium; 121 mg calcium; 1.4 g fiber.

Frozen Yogurt-Dipped Grapes

Servings: 6 (10 grapes per serving)

• 60        California grapes, any color, rinsed and patted dry
• 3/4       cup 2% vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1/2       cup graham cracker flour or almond flour

1. Insert toothpick into each grape. Place yogurt in small bowl. Pour graham cracker or almond flour onto plate. Line 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Dip each grape into yogurt, coating two-thirds of grape, then dip yogurt-covered grape into desired flour to coat bottom. Place each dipped grape on baking dish; repeat until all grapes are yogurt-covered and dipped in flour. Freeze at least two hours, or until grapes are frozen solid.

Nutritional information per serving with graham cracker crumbs: 100 calories; 3 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 1.5 g fat (14% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 55 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.

Nutritional information per serving with almond flour: 110 calories; 4 g protein; 14 g carbohydrates; 4.5 g fat (37% calories from fat); 0.5 g saturated fat (4% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 15 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Source: California Table Grape Commission

(Family Features) The school year can be an exciting time for parents and children alike. However, between getting ready and rushing to get out the door, making a nutritious and delicious lunch can sometimes fall by the wayside.

Whether preparing meals the night before or using quick and easy ingredients to help cut back on prep time, make the most of your kids' lunches and add a little personalized touch to give them comfort as they transition back to school.

Try these tips, tricks and ideas to help you put a smile on your children's faces and give you some peace of mind during the busy back-to-school season.

Prepare the Night Before
School mornings can get hectic. Recipes like these Spinach Ham Rollups or Ham Sandwich and Veggie Bento Box are perfect, nutritious meals to prepare the evening before, allowing you to spend more time with your little ones before they leave for school.

Incorporate Easy-to-Use Ingredients
When you're crunched for time, hardly anything can beat an easy-to-make lunch. Keeping high-quality, flavorful and versatile ingredients on-hand like Farmer John Sliced Ham or Turkey can help you make something different each day and pack your way to a better lunchbox in a matter of minutes.

Add a Handwritten Note
With everyone in the family juggling activities and busy schedules during the school year, a heartfelt message can be a nice surprise. A short message wishing your children a good day, or a simple note of love and appreciation can give them a piece of home while they're away.

For more quick, easy recipes for back-to-school season and beyond, visit farmerjohn.com.

Spinach Ham Rollups

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12

• 1 container (8 ounces) chive and onion cream cheese spread
• 6 spinach tortillas
• 1 package Farmer John Black Forest Ham
• 12 leaves lettuce
• 12 thin tomato slices

1. Spread cream cheese on each tortilla.
2. Layer two lettuce leaves, two tomato slices and two ham slices on each tortilla.
3. Roll tortillas; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until serving time.
4. When ready to serve, remove plastic wrap. Cut each rollup into four servings.

Ham Sandwich and Veggie Bento Box

Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

• 3 slices Farmer John Classic Cooked Ham
• 1 slice cheese
• 2 slices bread
• 1/4 cup carrots
• 1/2 cup grapes
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 3 strawberries

1. Layer ham and cheese on bottom bread slice to assemble sandwich.
2. Use cookie cutter or knife to cut sandwich into desired shape. Place sandwich in larger section of bento box.
3. Add carrots, grapes, blueberries and strawberries to remaining spaces in bento box.

Source: Farmer John

(Family Features) A perfect addition to your brunch table, these savory Mini Ham and Avocado Biscuit Sliders are quick and easy to make. For even more homemade flavor, make the biscuits from scratch using a buttermilk-sweet potato mixture.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mini Ham and Avocado Biscuit Sliders

Recipe adapted from Wilton

• 2          cups, plus 1 tablespoon, all-purpose flour, divided
• 1          tablespoon baking powder
• 1          teaspoon salt
• 3/4       teaspoon sage
• 1/4       teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2       cup cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 1          cup buttermilk, divided
• 1          medium sweet potato, boiled, peeled and mashed
• spinach leaves
• deli ham
• 1          avocado

1. Heat oven to 425° F. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, sage and paprika. With pastry blender, cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In medium bowl, whisk 3/4 cup buttermilk and mashed sweet potato. Stir into flour mixture until dough forms.
4. Using remaining flour to prepare surface, knead until dough forms. Roll dough to 3/4-inch thickness. Using 2-inch round cutter, cut dough into 18 biscuits. Re-roll and cut out dough until all is used.
5. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet. Brush each biscuit with remaining buttermilk.
6. Bake 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool completely.
8. Split biscuits in half. Top bottom half of biscuit with spinach leaves, deli ham and an avocado slice. Replace biscuit top and serve immediately.

Source: Culinary.net

Ideas for an easy Easter menu

(Family Features) Whether you’re new to hosting or simply looking for ideas to make Easter entertaining easier than ever, there are plenty of ways to save time and stress in the kitchen.

Go with what you know. Trying out new recipes is fun, but it can also add stress when they don’t turn out like you expected. Stick to tried and true dishes you can prepare and serve with confidence and save the experimenting for another time.

Take shortcuts. At the center of many Easter feasts is a ham that has been expertly cured and cooked to perfection. Even so, starting with a full-cooked ham is a shortcut that no one is likely to notice, especially if you heat it properly. For exceptional quality and a variety of flavor profile options to choose from, turn to America’s Original Butcher, Omaha Steaks. The meats are fully cooked then frozen before being delivered to your door for maximum convenience.

Work ahead. Plan your menu to incorporate items you can make ahead of time so you’re under less pressure the day of your dinner. Even handling the prep work like slicing veggies the night before can buy back precious minutes, that way when guests begin arriving, you can step out of the kitchen and enjoy the day right along with them.

Find more ideas to make hosting this year’s Easter meal easy at OmahaSteaks.com/buy/meals/easter.

How to Heat a Frozen Ham

Many frozen hams are fully cooked and can be served as soon as they’re properly thawed, which is an ideal solution for a casual brunch with mini sandwiches on the menu. However, if you’re serving an elegant holiday dinner, you’re more likely to prefer a warm centerpiece dish. A fully cooked ham is still a time-saving option; you’ll just need to allot time to heat it in the oven once it’s thawed.

Start by thawing a fully cooked ham in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.

To keep your ham extra moist, always put the cut-side down. You might also consider placing a baking rack in the pan and adding a quarter-inch of water before placing the ham on the rack.

For a spiral-cut, bone-in ham, heat the oven to 325° F. Remove ham from film and foil. Place ham cut-side down on a raised edge baking pan lined with foil. Heat uncovered 60-75 minutes for the entire ham or 10 minutes per pound for smaller portions.

For a boneless ham, heat the oven to 350° F. Place the ham, cut-side down, on a raised edge baking pan lined with foil. Cover the ham tightly with foil and heat 35-40 minutes.

Another option for adding extra juicy flavor is a glaze, which can be as simple as dissolving three parts brown sugar into one part honey in a small saucepan. Or for a more elegant affair, consider a fruit-infused glaze to complement the savory pork.

A Host of Hams

If you always thought a ham is a ham is a ham, it’s time to think again. From the type of meat to the smoking preparation to specialized slicing that makes serving easy, there are plenty of options to consider from a supplier like Omaha Steaks when choosing the right ham.

Savory
For an elegant gathering that demands premium ingredients, an all-natural Duroc Boneless Country Ham may be the answer. These hams tend to feature more marbling for an exceptionally rich flavor and texture, making for a tender, savory and juicy main course with no basting or injection needed.

Smoky
Put a little flair in your Easter meal with a uniquely flavored ham like the Pecanwood Smoked Flank Ham, smoked with real pecan wood for 8 hours to add a rich yet mellow smoky flavor. This tender, juicy uncured whole-muscle ham earns its place of distinction on your holiday table. Complementary sides with subtle nutty notes, such as a sweet potato casserole, can enhance the menu even more.

Sweet
Each Spiral-Sliced Ham is slowly smoked with real wood up to 24 hours to infuse flavor and maximize juiciness then generously brushed with a sweet and sticky brown-sugar crust that is torch-glazed to create a flavorful, crunchy crust. It’s spiral-sliced before delivery, so once it’s thawed and heated, it’s ready for quick service to your guests.

Easy Fruit-Infused Glazes

Apricot Glaze

• 1/2       cup brown sugar
• 1          teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2       teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup apricot nectar, canned

1. In saucepan, mix brown sugar, cornstarch and ginger. Stir in apricot nectar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.

Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 1          can (16 ounces) cranberry sauce
• 1          cup brown sugar
• 1/2       cup orange juice
• 1/2       teaspoon cloves, ground
• 1/4       teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1/4       teaspoon allspice

1. In small saucepan over low heat, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, cloves, cinnamon and allspice; simmer 5 minutes, before serving.

Source: Culinary