Easter - Making new traditions...

This Easter was our first time not eating the traditional Ham meal, complete with an array of salads and casseroles.  The short story is, after my dad was diagnosed with Leukemia this past summer, he made some HUGE changes in his diet and is no longer eating any processed foods, added sugars, meat, or dairy.  My family has followed suit with the 80% rule.....meaning....most of the time we eat this way, but we do incorporate small amounts of these things on occasion.  Dad, being the one with cancer, does not.

Once you have adjusted to this new way of thinking and eating, daily meal preparation doesn't take much thought......However, what about traditional holiday meals?  Easter was our first since we all have changed our eating.  So, our dilemma.  What do we do? Do we make the traditional ham meal, and fix something on the side for dad? Or.....do we just take the plunge and try something new altogether?  We chose the latter. 

We decided to make a fresh, Spring inspired meal to celebrate Easter.  And, it was quite fun coming up with a menu plan.  To keep it exciting, my mom and I decided to dress up the table, get out the crystal, and make it a 4 course, full service dinner.....complete with Easter attire and classical music. The kids always love this, and it was fun to do!

 

Menu

 

Strawberry Lemon Basil Salad with Toasted Coconut and Almonds

 



Deviled Eggs

(Sorry Dad, but when you boil and color 18 - you need to eat them! He managed. :-)

 

Bunny Munch Carrot Soup
served with a Whole Grain Roll from Bob's Red Mill

 

Vietnamese Salad Rolls with Black Sweet Rice & Hoisin Dipping Sauce

 

Intermission for an Easter Egg Hunt

"Yes", Papa hid the eggs, and "No" Rooftops aren't off limits around here... :-)

What a great big sister!!!

 

Carrot Cake with Whipped Coconut Cream

 



The end result?  We had a fun, memorable day celebrating the most meaningful day of the Christian faith...the resurrection of our Lord.  And, come to find out, it didn't really matter what we ate - it just mattered that we celebrated with a fun time together as a family.