Fresh Spring Recipes from Stemilt Perfect for Last-Minute Easter Inspiration

Disclosure: I received sample product(s) to help me make recipes. All opinions stated are genuine and my own. 

Spring is in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious, fresh recipes perfect for Easter Sunday? Whether you're planning a big family feast or just looking for some new dishes to brighten up your spring menu, the tree fruit experts at Stemilt have you covered! From starters to mains, have all the creative (apple) juice you need to impress your guests and ring in the new season with flavor.

A Fresh Starter: Apple Quinoa Lentil Salad

Looking for a light and flavorful starter to kick off your Easter meal? Look no further than this Apple Quinoa Lentil Salad! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, hearty French green lentils, and crisp Stemilt apples, this salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette and topped with maple-sweetened walnuts, it's sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Instructions

Cook quinoa according to package directions, cutting cook time to between 8 and 10 minutes, to render a firmer grain. Drain, as necessary, fluff with fork and set aside.

Cook French green lentils according to package directions, cutting cook time to between 10 to 15 minutes, to render a firmer lentil. Drain, as necessary, and set aside.

Note: test quinoa and lentils before pulling off heat and adjust cook time, as preferred, to achieve a firmer bite.

Meanwhile, toast chopped walnuts in a skillet set over medium high heat, stirring intermittently.

After about 2 minutes, drizzle nuts with maple syrup; stir consistently for approximately 1 more minute to coat nuts thoroughly. Remove from heat to cool.

Whisk ingredients for vinaigrette in a large bowl.

Add sliced apple to vinaigrette and mix well to coat (this helps keep apples bright). Add parsley and “cooled” maple-sweetened walnuts to bowl.

Then add cooled quinoa and lentils. Mix salad thoroughly and season with salt and pepper.

If desired, allow salad to sit in fridge for 15 to 20 minutes so flavors can mix and mingle.

Plate salad with a topping of fresh arugula and serve.

Note: If you plan to store salad in fridge, keep arugula separate until ready to plate. Salad, without arugula mixed in, will keep nicely in fridge for 3 to 5 days.

For the Main Course: Easter Ham with Apple Glaze

No Easter feast is complete without a succulent ham, and this Easter Ham with Apple Glaze is sure to steal the show! Slow-roasted to perfection and basted with a luscious apple glaze made from Stemilt apples, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices, this ham is the epitome of springtime indulgence. With every juicy bite, you'll taste the sweet and savory flavors of the season, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Easter table.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat-side up. Optionally, you can score the fat. Press the cloves into the fat, spacing them evenly across the ham. Bake for two hours.

Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. Place the apples, apple cider vinegar, and water in a large saucepan.

Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool briefly, then puree in a blender.

Press the mixture gently through a fine mesh strainer to remove thicker pieces of pulp, so that what remains looks smoother and less like applesauce.

Place the mixture in a medium saucepan along with the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and ground cloves.

Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat, stirring periodically, for 15-20 minutes to bring the flavors together.

After the ham has cooked for 2 hours, pour the apple glaze over it and continue to cook for another hour to 1 1/2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

For the last 30 minutes, slice the remaining 3 Fuji apples and spread them around the bottom of the roasting pan, coating them with the apple glaze. Let rest 10 minutes or more before carving.

Wishing you a Very Happy Easter!

With these mouthwatering recipes from Stemilt, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable Easter celebration filled with flavor, fun, and plenty of springtime cheer. So gather your loved ones, dust off your apron, and get ready to feast on the freshest flavors of the season. Happy Easter, and bon appétit!

🌟Bonus Tip: Don't forget to pair these delicious dishes with Stemilt's Lil Snappers apples for the perfect spring snack! Crisp, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, they're the ideal treat for Easter weekend and beyond. Check the store locator to find some delicious apples near you and add a burst of freshness to your holiday spread!