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Balducci's Executive Chef Serves Up Easter Entertaining Advice

SCARSDALE, N.Y. -- Easter will be here before you know it, and if you're entertaining, you're no doubt busy with last minute preparations.

You can buy pre-made foods or make your own with the offerings at Balducci's.

You can buy pre-made foods or make your own with the offerings at Balducci's.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Scarsdale Balducci's Executive Chef Jason Miller offers the following tips: 

Have Cocktails At The Ready: If your family does an Easter brunch, it’s always nice to have a pre-made cocktail ready to serve as people begin to arrive. Go for something simple and easy to make in large quantities. A Balducci's favorite: a Pear & Cranberry Bellini.

Keep it Simple and Sophisticated: Consider an array of egg, meat, vegetable and fruit options in a small brunch buffet so guest can create their own plates. Quiches, frittatas and tarts are simple yet, delicious items that contain a healthy serving of vegetables and meats depending on how you prepare them. At Balduccis.com you'll find recipe ideas including a delicious Asparagus Ricotta Galette or the Bacon and Onion Tart.

Cook And Cater: It’s never fun to spend an entire holiday in the kitchen so balance your menu with items you can prepare at home in addition to catered or chef-prepared items that can be ordered beforehand. 

Elevate The Main Dish: A Spiral Ham is a signature Easter favorite. The best way to cook it is to prepare a glaze to give it some extra flavor as it bakes. You can’t go wrong with a simple Brown Sugar Glaze. Completely mix 1½ cups brown sugar, 1½ tsp dry mustard, 3/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme in a bowl. Heat the ham uncovered until it’s about 120 °F, then increase the heat. Brush the ham with the glaze and bake for about 10 minutes. Glaze again, then broil until the outside of the ham is caramelized. Stay close to the oven to watch for burning! The entire glazing process should only take about 15-30 minutes.

Add Fresh Flowers: Now that it’s spring, a festive floral centerpiece is always a nice touch.

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