Here at Budget Bites Brigade, we’re all about finding penny-wise, flavor-rich recipes that bring a smile to your face without putting a dent in your wallet. But let’s face it - when the calendar flips to those special, sparkly days marked for celebration, in this case Easter, it’s time to toss the budget book out the window (just for a day!) and indulge in something truly spectacular. It’s that special time of year when we trade our penny-pinching prowess for a pinch of something more extravagant. And what could be more fitting for this celebration than a stunning, succulent holiday ham?

A Tradition of Taste

Easter wouldn’t be quite complete without a traditional ham taking center stage on the dining table. It’s a dish steeped in history, symbolizing abundance and festivity, and our recipe for a spiral sliced bone-in ham adorned with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries is a modern twist on this classic. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a showpiece, an edible emblem of Easter celebration.

The Main Attraction

The ham I purchase already is double glazed with brown sugar straight from the package - but why stop there? We take the sweetness to new heights by crowning it with pineapple rings with cherry centers held in place with toothpicks as if they’re adorning a festive wreath. The real enchantment begins with our homemade pineapple brown sugar glaze - yes, a third glaze!! The concoction marries the pineapple and cherry juices with the deep molasses notes of the brown sugar, and warmed with the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove. This glaze doesn’t just complement the ham, it transforms it, infusing every slice with a complex layering of flavors that dance on your palate.

The Perfect Pairings

No feast is complete without the supporting cast that turns a dish into a meal, and for this Easter celebration, we’ve selected two mouthwatering sides that complement our ham to perfection: Cheesy Potato Casserole and Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar.

Cheesy Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic

Imagine delicious potatoes in a velvety sea of melted cheese with a crispy topping! This Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food turned festive. They’re easy to prepare, utterly addictive, and serve as the perfect soft and cheesy contrast to the rich flavors of our holiday ham.

Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar: A Sweet and Savory Delight

To balance the richness of the meal, the green beans bring a much needed freshness to the table. The smokiness of the bacon combined with the subtle sweetness of the brown sugar, creates a tantalizing glaze over the crisp, vibrant green beans. The glaze also helps pair the green beans with the ham while providing a pop of color to the Easter dinner spread.

A Feast to Remember

This Easter, let’s embrace the joy of the season with a feast the reflects the spirit of celebration. From the show-stopping ham to the comforting cheesy potatoes and the vibrant green beans, each dish brings its own unique flavor and flair to the table. So gather your loved ones and indulge in this holiday feast and set the budgeting aside for the day, after all, some traditions are worth splurging on.

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