The Bryan Times - Easter recipes - April 15, 2019

Easter is coming soon. Trust these recipes help add to your menu as we, of the Christian faith, celebrate our Risen Savior. May your Easter be blessed and bring you baskets-ful of joy.

I created this ham recipe using ideas from a few others when I wanted something flavorful and lower sugar than most. It's great using the crockpot to keep the oven open for other dishes when you're cooking for a crowd.

Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham

CROCKPOT MAPLE BROWN SUGAR HAM

1 7 - 8# fully cooked ham
1 c. pineapple juice
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. (sugar free) maple syrup

Remove ham from packaging; discard flavoring packet and if using a bone-in, discard plastic cap. Pour pineapple juice in bottom of large (6-7-qt.) crockpot. In small bowl, combine brown sugar and maple syrup. Place ham into the crockpot, flat side down, then pour brown sugar mixture over the ham.
Cover and cook on low for 4 - 5 hours. (Internal temp should be 140 degrees). Be sure to baste ham a couple of times while cooking and about an hour before it's done cooking. Remove ham to cutting board and allow to stand about 15 minutes before carving.

This potato dish is a favorite from my mom's files and one that MUST be served at all our family gatherings. So cheesey and good.

COTTAGE POTATOES

10 lg. potatoes, cooked in skins
1 med. onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1 slice fresh bread, torn into bite-sized pieces
1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese, chunked
8 Tb. margarine or butter, melted, divided
1 small jar pimentos, drained (optional)
1/4 c. milk
2 c. crushed corn flakes

Cool potatoes; peel and cut into bite sized chunks. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 2.5 qt. baking dish. Mix together potatoes, onion, salt, bread, cheese and pimentos. Mix with 6 Tb. melted margarine and place into prepared dish. Pour milk over potatoes. (If making ahead, I wait to add milk and topping just before baking)

Topping: Combine crushed corn flakes with remaining margarine and spread evenly over top. Bake uncovered for 35 - 45 minutes or until brown and bubbly.


This simple side dish can be made in minutes. I love that you can use sugar free pudding along with no sugar added fruit, for a special taste treat for those having to watch their sugar intake.

EASY FRUIT SALAD (Low sugar option)

1 can (15 ozs.) fruit cocktail, slightly drained

1 small can mandarin oranges, slightly drained

1 can (15 ozs.) pineapple tidbits, slightly drained

3-4 bananas (sliced), optional

1 (4 serv.) pkg. (sugar free) lemon (or vanilla or cheesecake) instant pudding

4 - 8 ozs. cool whip, optional

In large bowl, stir canned fruits and pudding together. (To keep bananas from browning too fast, let them soak in the pineapple juice before adding). If using, stir in cool whip. Refrigerate at least 1 hr. before serving.

I would just love to give each of you a loaf of this wonderfully moist bread, but since I can't, you'll have to make it for yourself. (Sorry!) This fits in great on your dessert table too. Coconut lovers will go cuckoo over this one.

GLAZED COCONUT BREAD

4 eggs
1-2/3 c. sugar
1 c. oil
(may substitute applesauce for half the amount)
2 tsp. coconut extract
2 c. white (whole wheat) flour
1 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 c. flaked coconut
1 c. buttermilk**(see note below)

Coconut Glaze:

3/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. water
2 Tb. butter
1 tsp. coconut extract

Preheat oven to 325*. Grease 2 large loaf pans. In large mixing bowl beat eggs until fluffy. Add the sugar, oil, applesauce and coconut extract and beat 3 more minutes.

Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and add to mixing bowl. Mix until combined. Add coconut and buttermilk. Pour batter into loaf pans and bake for about 45 minutes. (Be sure to check after 40 minutes). Remove pans from oven and set on wire rack.

Just a few minutes before the breads are finished baking, begin making the glaze by combining sugar, water and butter in small saucepan. Allow mixture to boil for 1 minute and then add in coconut extract. Poke the breads several times with a meat fork, then slowly pour the glaze over the hot bread (while it's still in the pan). The glaze will soak into the bread and down the sides of the pan.

When cool enough to handle, remove the bread from the pan and allow to finish cooling on the wire rack. Slice and serve or place in airtight container until ready to serve.

** TIP: You can make your own buttermilk by adding 2 Tbs. vinegar to a

1 cup measuring cup; fill with milk; let stand 5 minutes before adding.


Easter spells out beauty, the beauty of new life. ~S. D. Gordon