Easter Brunch and Dinner

Easter Brunch and Easter Dinner were always a big deal in our home when growing up. Mom would be up very early to prep for the day. This after being up late the night before making her traditional and famous 24 egg Frittata and her delicious, also traditional and famous, Easter Pizza (Satoni/Calzone) while us kids would be coloring Easter Eggs. The Frittata and Easter Pizza would be our brunch after Easter Mass along with an array of freshly baked Sweet Rolls from the bakery on Belmont Avenue. As soon as brunch was gobbled up Mom would start on Easter Dinner: Homemade Ravioli, Marinara (Gravy) with Meatballs, Braciola (Flank Steak that has been pounded thin and filled with Prosciutto, Parmesan Cheese, Parsley, Garlic and Hard Boiled Egg. Then rolled and tied), Pork Butt and Beef Pot Roast. Next would be the Leg of Lamb with Roasted Potatoes. Of course there would be several different Vegetables: Braised Artichokes, Asparagus, Roasted Peppers and an Italian Salad. Whew! Now that was a lot of food!

We would have dessert an hour or so after dinner since we were pretty much stuffed. Mom would make her traditional Easter Lamb Pound Cake which was served along side seasonal Fruits and Nuts in their shells – Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Pecans, Hazel Nuts.

There would be the five of us plus Grandpa, Uncle Dom, Auntie JiJie and Uncle Epol. This was the standard guest list but almost always someone else would be invited to share our feast. Oh how I miss Easter with my family.

My Mother lived for these feasts. She never tired or got bored when it came to preparing for all of this food. Sometimes people ask me why she made so much. That was the way of our family: All of my Aunts on both sides prepared menus like this for the holidays. My grandparents and many of my Aunts and Uncles were immigrants that grew up during the depression. Needless to say, their tables were not always bountiful when they were children. Food is and was the way they showed their love for their families.

Here is my take on some of my Mother’s recipes plus a few of my originals for your Easter Celebration.