Creative and Simple Ways to Add Dates to Easter Dishes
Easter is almost here and there’s no doubt families are planning their holiday feasts. Whether hosting an Easter brunch or dinner, there are many ways to level up the flavor and texture of a multitude of dishes with the addition of dates. Sphinx Date Co. offers some creative and simple ways to add dates to any Easter dish.
Customized Charcuterie Boards — Perhaps the trendiest appetizer ever, charcuterie boards are a great appetizer to serve a crowd because everyone can pick and choose what they want to add to their plate. When building a charcuterie board, include a variety of meats and cheeses, nuts, jams and mustards, dates (whole or chopped), fruit (dried or fresh, like grapes or berries), olives, marinated peppers or artichoke hearts and crackers or crostini. There is no wrong way to build a charcuterie platter — and the more choices, the better!
Scrumptious Salads — Nothing says spring (or a spring holiday such as Easter) like a crisp, fresh green salad. Like charcuterie boards, salads can be customized in so many ways to enhance the main entrée. Salads do not have to be loaded with ingredients to be delicious. In fact, sometimes a simple green salad with an incredible vinaigrette is all that is needed to serve alongside an Easter entrée. However, there are also some creative and delicious ways to level up a green salad with intense flavors and crunch. Top a bed of mixed greens with sunflower seeds, soft cheese such as feta or goat cheese, chopped dates and candied walnuts or pecans. Or dress a wedge of ice burg with blue cheese crumbles, chopped cranberries or blueberries, bits of bacon and a drizzle of steakhouse ranch or blue cheese dressing for a sweet and salty combo.
Savory Side Dishes — A simple cold pasta or delicious couscous or rice dish can complement a variety of main entrees for Easter brunch or dinner. And adding some items such as pine nuts, fresh chopped herbs, a squeeze of fresh citrus juice, dates, dried fruits, olives or other marinated veggies can really enhance the flavors. Since pastas, couscous and rice are very mild in flavor, consider them blank canvases and get creative with additions!
Main Attractions — Serving up a beef or lamb roast with roasted vegetables on Easter? Consider adding some dates to the pan. They will soak up the juices and become delightful bursts of flavor when bitten into during the meal. Or make a date chutney to drizzle over a glazed ham.
Sweet Somethings — Consider adding dates to scones for to accompany coffee or tea after an Easter brunch or dinner. Or fill dates with sweet mascarpone mixed with honey and chopped pistachios.
There are so many creative ways to add dates to an Easter meal while keeping it simple! Get into the kitchen and have some fun leveling up this holiday feast with delicious dates.