“Layered Perfection: Easter Pie, Glazed Ham, & the Ultimate Salad”

It’s finally Easter! After enduring another year of Lent–which for many of us meant endless amounts of fish (and hopefully no accidental meat on Fridays—fingers crossed), variations of pizza, and maybe even some shrimp and peppers on pizza (you either love it or hate it), we’ve made it through. 

And of course, there were those countless Friday afternoons spent on hold, waiting to get that all-important pizza order in at your favorite shop. 

But here in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re never truly “pizza’ed out,” are we? So what better way to follow up mandatory pizza Fridays than with… pizza on Easter! This year, let’s give the pizza a little twist, shall we? We’re still in the spirit of fun and flavor, but let’s go beyond the pizza box. 

This Easter, we’ve got some fantastic recipes that will fill your table with tradition and creativity—Italian Easter pie, a perfectly glazed ham, and a show-stopping Easter-themed salad. Plus, here’s a trick—serve the salad in a trifle bowl for a gorgeous centerpiece that’s bound to impress.

Italian Easter Pie: A Slice of Tradition

Italian Easter pie (or *pizza rustica*) is a savory, meat-filled pie that’s been passed down through generations. It’s a hearty dish made with a rich, buttery crust and layered with ricotta cheese, eggs, sausage, and cured meats—a savory masterpiece perfect for Easter.

Ingredients:

– **For the crust**:
  – 3 cups all-purpose flour
  – 1 tsp salt
  – 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  – 1 large egg
  – 1/4 cup cold water
– **For the filling**:
  – 1 lb ricotta cheese
  – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  – 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  – 1/2 lb prosciutto, chopped
  – 6 large eggs (5 for the filling, 1 for brushing)
  – 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  – 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  – Salt and pepper to taste
  – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Technique:

1. **Prepare the crust**: In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and cold water, then pulse until the dough begins to form. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the filling**: In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, cooked sausage, prosciutto, eggs, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
3. **Assemble the pie**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out two-thirds of the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Add the filling and smooth it out. Make five shallow indentations in the filling and crack an egg into each indentation (or mix all the eggs into the filling). Cover with the remaining dough, sealing the edges. Brush the top with an egg wash (beaten egg with a splash of water).
4. **Bake**: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

**Pro Tip**: Make the pie a day ahead to let the flavors meld together.

The Perfect Easter Ham: A Sweet and Savory Glaze

A beautifully glazed ham is a must-have centerpiece for Easter. The right glaze can make all the difference, combining sweetness, acidity, and spices to create the perfect balance.

Ingredients:

– **For the glaze**:
  – 1 cup brown sugar
  – 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  – 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  – 1/4 cup honey
  – 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
  – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  – 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  – 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
– **For the ham**:
  – 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham (pre-cooked or smoked)
  – Whole cloves for studding

Technique:

1. **Prepare the glaze**: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, whole grain mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the glaze thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. **Prepare the ham**: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves. Brush generously with the glaze.
3. **Roast the ham**: Roast for 2-2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes. The ham is done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
4. **Serve**: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with any remaining glaze and serve!

**Pro Tip**: For a crispy, caramelized finish, broil the ham for the last 5 minutes of roasting.

Easter-Themed Salad: A Beautiful Centerpiece with Optional Meat Additions

This Easter salad is more than just a dish—it’s a centerpiece! Layered with vibrant colors and textures, and served in a trifle bowl, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Want to make it heartier? Add some meat options like crispy bacon or thinly sliced ham—perfect for those who are eager to make up for lost carnivorous days during Lent.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and spring mix)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup sliced radishes
– 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds

**Optional Meat Additions**:
– 1/2 cup crispy chopped bacon
– 1/2 cup thinly sliced ham
– Grilled chicken or turkey slices

For the Dressing:

– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

Technique:

1. **Crucial Tip for Crisp Lettuce**: Want to keep your lettuce nice and firm? Toss the greens in a small amount of **olive oil** (no vinegar or dressing yet) and place in the fridge. The oil will chill and help the lettuce stay crisp and fresh until serving. **Dress the salad just before serving**, with the dressing on the side.

2. **Layer the salad in the trifle bowl**:
  – Start with **mixed greens** at the bottom, followed by layers of **sliced cucumbers**, **shredded carrots**, and **sliced radishes**.
  – Add a layer of **red cabbage** for color, then layer in the **cherry tomatoes**.
  – If adding meat, layer **crispy bacon** or **sliced ham** next for extra flavor.
  – Finish with the **hard-boiled eggs**, **feta cheese**, and a sprinkle of **sunflower seeds**.

3. **Serve**: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving or allow guests to add their preferred amount of dressing.

This Easter, enjoy a spread that’s not only delicious but visually captivating. From the savory layers of Italian Easter pie to the sweet and savory glaze on your ham, and the beautiful layered salad, these dishes will bring flavor, beauty, and tradition to your table. Whether you choose to go meatless or indulge in the optional bacon and ham, this Easter feast is one for the books. Happy Easter!