yummy, yummy Easter

As usual, the denizens of the household had culinary stirrings (and simmerings, and sauteeings, and bakings) for Easter. Here was our menu:

1) Roast Beef (known as Roast Beast in our home). I would have lamb except that the certain others will not eat such a thing due to the cuteness of such creatures (yes, a cow was once a cute calf, but we're not talking deep logic here).
2) Asparagus (very nice this time of year)
3) Mashed potatoes
4) Gravy
5) Green Salad
6) Torta Pasqualina (which translates roughly to "Easter tart"). The main ingredient is artichoke hearts (recipe said to use frozen ones, thawed, but I used Cara Mia marinated ones, drained and rinsed a bit. The artichokes were mixed in a quiche-like filling of ricotta, sour cream, parmesan, fontina cheese, and sauteed green onions. The crust was four layers of phyllo dough, brushed with melted butter between the layers; I folded the phyllo down over the artichoke filling,which ended up looking quite nice when it browned. It tasted quite good! Kat (blog-nickname for youngest daughter who loves cats) has asked for it again tomorrow night.
7) For dessert, brownies from Ruth Reichl's recipe in Tender at the Bone.

Not one leftover remains except for a bit of gravy and a small container of salad. Prada and I decorated eggs last night, too--and, despite the fact that my kids are older, each of them got an Easter basket. So, I would say this holiday was a success and a lot of fun, despite the pounding rain this morning.

Buon Pasquale!