Easter is the perfect time to gather around the table with family and friends, celebrating togetherness, traditions, and of course, a mouthwatering feast! For our family, the day starts with Easter brunch, a long-standing tradition in the Valentine household. Add to that a sprinkle of fun with Easter egg hunts—yes, plural! We’ve got some ideas to make this year's celebrations extra special. Let’s dive into recipes, traditions, and a little glow-in-the-dark magic.

The Valentine Family Easter Brunch Tradition

Our Easter brunch is an event we look forward to all year. It’s a chance to kick off the holiday with delicious food, laughter, and love. We pile the table high with both sweet and savory dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. And because food brings people together, the magic of Easter brunch lies in both the menu and the moments shared around the table. If you haven’t started this tradition in your family yet, this is the year to begin!

The Easter Egg Hunt… With a Twist

No Easter celebration is complete without the thrill of an egg hunt. Over the years, our family has added a few creative twists. First up, the "Golden Egg Hunt." It’s a family favorite that adds a competitive edge. Inside the coveted golden egg, we hide something special—sometimes it’s a little cash, sometimes a fun trinket, and once, hilariously, it was just a heartfelt note reminding everyone that the real prize is family. (Although cash usually wins more cheers!)

But this year, we’re reviving a forgotten tradition that’s perfect for Brittney’s little one: the pre-game glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt the night before!

Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt: How It Works

Imagine the excitement as kids (and maybe some adults) search for glowing eggs under the stars. Here’s how you can host your own:

1. Glow-Stick Eggs: Buy plastic eggs and snap mini glow sticks to place inside each one. These can be found online or in party stores. If the eggs are opaque, opt for glow bracelets that can wrap around the egg for extra glow.
2. Fill with Surprises: Fill the eggs with candy, stickers, or small toys. For a festive touch, consider adding colorful confetti.
3. Choose the Right Location: A dark backyard, park, or even an indoor space with dimmed lights works well. Safety tip: Keep flashlights on hand and make sure the area is free of hazards.
4. Glow-in-the-Dark Decorations: Amp up the fun with glowing markers for paths, neon tape, or even blacklight effects.
5. Start the Hunt: Turn off any nearby lights, gather the kids (or kids-at-heart), and let the glow egg hunt begin! The thrill of glowing eggs in the dark is something everyone will remember for years to come.

Now that we’ve got the traditions covered, let’s talk food. We’ve pulled together three highly rated recipes that are trending right now and sure to be a hit at your Easter gathering.

Recipe 1: Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Source: Southern Living

This Southern classic is comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a brunch crowd, this cheesy, creamy dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine hash browns, sour cream, soup, cheddar cheese, onion, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
4. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Pair this dish with fresh fruit and mimosas for the ultimate brunch spread.

Recipe 2: Carrot Cake Pancakes

Source: Delish

These pancakes bring all the flavors of carrot cake to the breakfast table—a whimsical addition to your Easter brunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated carrots
• Optional: cream cheese glaze for topping

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until combined.
3. Fold in the grated carrots.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and flip. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden.
5. Top with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for extra decadence.

Recipe 3: Herb-Crusted Lamb with Mint Pesto

Source: Google’s Top Recipes

For dinner, wow your guests with this shows-topping herb-crusted lamb, paired with a zesty mint pesto that screams springtime.

Ingredients for Lamb:

• 1 rack of lamb, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Mint Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until browned on all sides.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, rosemary, and thyme. Coat the lamb with the mixture.
3. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
4. For the pesto, blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Serve alongside the lamb.

Tying It All Together

Easter is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with traditions, laughter, and delicious food. Whether you’re hosting a glow-in-the-dark egg hunt, challenging your family to find the golden egg, or sharing these irresistible recipes at your brunch or dinner table, the spirit of the season shines brightest in the moments you create together.

Here’s to making this Easter unforgettable! From our family to yours, may your holiday be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of amazing food. Happy Easter from all of us at Kitchen Switchen!