Easter Menu Planning For The Busy Mom

Easter is a busy day and by the time the hunting activities are complete you may be just too tired to cook a big meal. If you're like just about every other mom you've got a few dozen things to do and no time to do them. Go easy on yourself this Easter.

Instead of slaving over the stove all day to cook the main course, let someone else do it. The Honeybaked® Ham Store is a super busy place at holiday time and Easter is just as busy time as any. You can go in and purchase a delicious ham or turkey breast that is just the perfect amount for your family. Be sure you plan this ahead though; it's not a last-minute solution. If you don't plan ahead you may be left without a home-cooked meal at all or at least waiting in line for a long time. Go in the day before Easter for pickup or go in early in the morning. Check for a store in your area and their hours.

Planning ahead will save you so much trouble. Prepare things like mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole then do this stuff ahead of time. You can prepare potatoes a day early. Sweet potatoes can also be cooked a day in advance and then add the ingredients and bake it all together the afternoon of Easter. Getting as much as possible the day before will take a lot of stress off preparing everything at once. If you need rolls, try Parkerhouse rolls instead of making them from scratch. Take them out the night before to let the dough rise.

Trying to decide what to have this year? Here are some of the most common meals that are chosen. In the vegetable department, try collard greens or fresh green beans seasoned with garlic. If you choose turkey over ham, then stuffing is a must. To save time it can come from Stove Top® or ask your mother for her time honored recipe for sausage stuffing. Whenever I have ham for dinner, I have to have macaroni and cheese. And, the more cheese it has, the better.

You can't forget dessert! If you're trying to make the perfect apple pie or cherry cheesecake you'll waste valuable time you just don't have. Find yourself a good local bakery and order some great deserts to be ready on Easter day or the day before. If you feel you have to contribute to the dessert process, then buy some ice cream that can be used to top off the cake or pie.

Time to plan ahead and have some relaxation this year. This should make your Easter Sunday much less stressful. Let everyone pitch in and help for a change.

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