Easy
Steak Salad with Caraway Vinaigrette and Rye Croutons
All the flavors of a steak sandwich on rye, but in salad form.
Soy-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Asparagus and Scallions
A little bit of sweetness makes these especially appealing to pint-size palates.
Roman Holiday Cocktail
Amaro and sweet vermouth are relatively low in alcohol, making for a quaffable, refreshing drink (go ahead, have two).
Dirt Bombs
Like a cinnamon-sugar doughnut in muffin form. You've been warned.
Tater Tots with Spicy Mayonnaise
No disrespect to the frozen tots these are based on, but making your own is way more fun than opening a bag (and they taste better, too).
Spiced Sliders with Date Ketchup
To make your own baharat spice blend, mix one teaspoon each of ground coriander and cumin with half a teaspoon each of cinnamon and paprika.
Crispy Salt-and-Vinegar Potatoes
Cooking the potatoes in vinegar seasons them from within, and a final drizzle boosts the flavor.
Smoked Gouda Grits
You could use any melting cheese in this recipe, such as a sharp cheddar, fontina, or Gruyère—in which case, just call them "Cheesy Grits."
Colomba Easter Zuppa Inglese
You can make zuppa inglese with all sorts of readymade cookies or cakes. Here it's made with colomba, Italy's traditional Easter cake. I love colomba's soft yeasty cake texture and fabulous buttery aroma. My favorite part is the top of the cake, which has a crisp, sweet almond crust. In Italy, the day after Easter is called Pasquetta, "Little Easter," or Il Lunedi dell'Angelo, "Angel's Monday." Italians traditionally go on a picnic that day, the first outdoor excursion since the start of winter. Dessert includes all the leftover Easter sweets like pastiera, colomba cake, or Easter eggs.