An Easy Easter Brunch

A snacky menu, florals + bonus festive pairings!

We are more than halfway through April and the leaves are finally starting to peek out here upstate. Safe to say, we’ve made it through winter! This means more fresh flowers, colorful produce, and an overall increase in my general mood.

I always love to celebrate anything that brings together family and friends, and never say no to brunch. Alas, I compiled a little guide for hosting a cute Easter morning!

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THE FLORALS + TABLE

I recently found ranunculus flowers at my local grocery store and obviously had to buy a bouquet. They’re so whimsical and colorful, making for a perfect springtime floral arrangement. I also picked up pink tulips and the color combo together is perfect. I whipped out my flower frog, which is essentially a spiked device used to hold flowers in place within a vase or bowl, and it allows for such funky arrangements to come to life. Check out my step-by-step video here.

For an Easter brunch tablescape, I would lean into lace, beige and pastel elements to add some softness to the vibrant florals.

Lace Tablecloth

Pastel Candlesticks

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THE FOOD

I love to curate my table with a bite, board and bowl to ensure a variety of texture and flavors!

THE BITE - Goat Cheese Deviled Eggs

Goat cheese adds a creamy, lemony tang to the classic deviled egg, making for a delicious snack. The added beet juice also brings a beautiful pink hue to the dish!

INGREDIENTS
- 6 eggs
- Juice from one 12 oz jar of pickled beets
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional dill and smoked paprika to garnish

TO MAKE
1. Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan, cover with water until submerged. Cover with a lid and heat on high until boiling, then remove from heat and let sit for 10-12 minutes.
2. Place in ice bath and once cool, peel the eggs. Submerge them in a bowl of beet juice and let sit for 30 minutes to an hour (the longer the soak, the darker the color)
3. Once soaked, slice in half lengthwise and remove yolks.
4. In a food processor, combine eggs yolks, goat cheese, mayo, dijon, dill, lemon juice salt and pepper.
5. Fill the mixture into a piping bag, and pipe a small flower into each egg yolk
6. Garnish with dill and smoked paprika

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THE BOWL - Spring Pasta Salad with Feta and Herbs

This bright and vibrant pasta salad is the perfect embodiment of spring. The tangy feta, briny olives, and zesty pickled onions add big bursts of flavor, while the crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers bring freshness to the dish.

INGREDIENTS
- 4 oz cooked pasta (I used Cavatappi)
⁃ 1 cup fresh feta, cubed
⁃ 1/2 cup diced persian cucumbers
⁃ 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes
⁃ 1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper
⁃ 1/4 cup sliced Castelvetrano olives
⁃ 1/4 cup chopped pickled red onions
⁃ 1/4 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts
⁃ 4-5 sprigs of dill fronds, chopped
⁃ 4-5 sprigs of parsley leaves, chopped
⁃ Italian vinaigrette to mix
⁃ Flaky salt and black ground pepper

TO MAKE
1) Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
2) Let pasta cool and place in a large bowl. Add feta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, pickled red onion and marinated artichoke hearts. Toss with a hefty pour if Italian vinaigrette of your choice.
3) Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Toss with dill fronds, parsley leaves, salt and pepper right before serving.

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THE BOARD - Tinned Fish Brunch Board

This pastel cheese plate creation is perfect for a light late breakfast or early lunch spread! Find the step by step here.

CHEESE: Feta, herbed goat cheese
PROTEIN: Smoked trout, hard boiled eggs
PRODUCE: Rosemary potatoes, cucumbers, watermelon radishes, pickled red onions, castelvetrano olives
CRUNCH: French baguette
GARNISH: Fresh dill, sage and edible flowers

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Easter Candy + Chocolate Pairings

We’re back with another PAIRING PARTY! For paid Extra Sharp subscribers, here are four new Easter candy and cheese pairing suggestions that can be easily found at the grocery store, plus wine pairings!