Easter Dinner, Made Simple and Memorable

Three recipes, flexible shortcuts, and flavor options that let you spend more time at the table

Everything you need for Easter dinner, without spending the whole day in the kitchen.

Easter has a way of arriving gently. The light shifts, the air softens, and before long, we find ourselves thinking about gathering around the table again.

Not for something rushed, but for a meal that feels a little more special.

Over the years, I’ve learned something as both a cook and a Spice Keeper. I remember a customer at one of our markets telling me she was exhausted just thinking about holiday cooking. She didn’t want another complicated recipe. She just wanted something that worked so she could sit down and enjoy her family. That conversation stayed with me.

Because here’s something we don’t always say out loud. Most of us don’t want to spend the entire day in the kitchen. We want to enjoy the conversations, the laughter, and the simple moments that make the day meaningful.

So instead of complicated recipes, this is something a little more helpful. Simple dishes. Flexible shortcuts. Two flavor directions for each, so you can make the meal your own. Because a good meal should fit your life, not take it over.

The Centerpiece: Glazed Easter Ham

Ingredients

• 1 spiral-cut ham (6–8 lbs / 2.7–3.6 kg)

• 1/2 cup honey (120 ml / 170 g)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (60 ml / 50 g)

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (30 ml / 30 g)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml / 30 g)

• 1 tablespoon seasoning (15 ml / 8–10 g)

Flavor Options

Classic Easter Flavor: Carolina Crystal – Oak City Spice Blends

Bolder, Savory Option: Wiggly Piggly – Oak City Spice Blends

Method

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan.

3. In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and chosen seasoning.

4. Brush glaze evenly over the ham.

5. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5–2 hours.

6. Remove foil, baste again, and cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes until caramelized.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use a spiral-cut ham to eliminate carving work.

• Prepare the glaze the night before.

• Keep the ham covered for most of the cook time to reduce attention.

• Save the drippings for reheating leftovers.

The Side: Roasted Potatoes and Spring Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs potatoes, halved (680 g)

• 1 cup carrots, sliced (240 ml / 120 g)

• 1 cup asparagus or green beans (240 ml / 120 g)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml / 40 g)

• 1.5 teaspoons seasoning (7 ml / 3–4 g)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml / 3 g)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 ml / 1 g)

Flavor Options

Fresh and Herbaceous: French Countryside – Oak City Spice Blends

Warm and Rustic: Smoky Mountain – Oak City Spice Blends

Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).

2. Place potatoes, carrots, and vegetables on a sheet pan.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Toss to coat evenly.

5. Spread into a single layer.

6. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Time-Saving Options

• Use pre-cut vegetables to reduce prep time.

• Use frozen vegetables; increase roasting time slightly.

• Line the pan with parchment for easy cleanup.

• Prep vegetables the day before and refrigerate.

The Sweet Finish: Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (480 ml / 250 g)

• 2 teaspoons baking soda (10 ml / 10 g)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 ml / 3 g)

• 2 teaspoons seasoning (10 ml / 5 g)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (240 ml / 200 g)

• 1 cup brown sugar (240 ml / 200 g)

• 1 cup vegetable oil (240 ml / 220 g)

• 4 large eggs (about 200 g total)

• 2 cups grated carrots (480 ml / 240 g)

• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (120 ml / 120 g)

Flavor Options

Classic Comfort: Southern Star Dust – Oak City Spice Blends

Warm and Spiced: Chai Pie Wallah – Oak City Spice Blends

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and seasoning.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs.

4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined.

5. Fold in carrots and pineapple.

6. Pour into a greased baking pan.

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Time-Saving Options

• Use a boxed carrot cake mix and add 1–2 teaspoons of seasoning.

• Use pre-shredded carrots.

• Bake the cake one day ahead for better flavor.

• Skip frosting and use a simple glaze or powdered sugar.

A Simple Easter Plan

The Day Before

• Prepare glaze

• Cut vegetables

• Bake the cake

Easter Morning

• Place ham in oven

• Set the table

One Hour Before Serving

• Roast vegetables

• Warm everything through

A Final Thought

This meal is not about doing everything from scratch. It is about creating something worth gathering around. Take the shortcut when you need it. Use the seasoning to carry the flavor. Sit down sooner. That is what people will remember.

Carolina Crown Crystals

$11.00

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Wiggly Piggly

$11.00

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French Countryside

$11.00

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Smoky Mountain

$11.00

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Southern Star Dust - Sprinkles from Down Under

$11.00

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Chai Pie Wallah

$11.00

Buy Now