Mainely Martha

Having had a nice respite from the winter holiday festivities, it is time to hop to it and get the Easter planning underway. And with the melting of the snow and signs of spring peeking through, the ideas for Easter brunch are plentiful…in fact, maybe too plentiful. So many ideas and recipes, it is tough to choose what will make the cut; decisions, decision.

Luckily, there are a couple staples that have to be made like Mom’s macaroni & cheese. In fact, I think if there was simply a large vat of mac and cheese, everyone from age 2 to 60 will be happy…well, accompanied by a cocktail of course. Ah, and the beverages…mimosas, bloody mary’s and hmmm, maybe a spring sangria? The menu will be grounded with some familiar classics, but part of the fun is trying new recipes.

Thus, the past few weeks have been spent experimenting. Not having my mom’s carrot cake recipe, I have been trying to come up with a new one…that tastes like hers though. And making some new desserts to see which ones will be added to the menu. Fortunately, my test kitchen is equipped with taste testers to offer an honest critique.The quicker it disappears the higher the rating it gets! Furthermore,  I personally have subjected myself to be the cocktail taste tester; a tough job but all of the concoctions need to pass the test. Be sure to check out the recipes section of the site to see which ones made it.

So while there can be stress in planning and hosting, try not to lose the element of joy that comes along with it. The fun of trying new things to introduce along with the and joy that you know some of the family favorites will bring; enjoy it all.  Because at the end of the day, it is the company that will be the winning ingredient.