On the heels of my last post, I’m here to write more about food! Surprise, surprise.

I will take any and every opportunity to make a special meal. Holidays are just a given. They not only allow for traditions to show their annual flare, but also give eager permission to try new recipes. Tradition Try-Outs.

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to learn to bake scones. I love to eat ’em and, based on Starbucks’ costs, I really needed to learn to make them myself! I absolutely adore the Starbucks mini-vanilla bean scones, so it was a no-brainer to first experiment with Pioneer Woman’s knock-off recipe. I didn’t document the entire process like she does, but here’s the end result.

I’ve definitely made prettier things, and mini-scones they are not!, but I was really thrilled with how they tasted. It’s like eating sugar cookies for breakfast!

The other two parts of our Easter brunch fall into the traditions category. First up, a lovely perfect-for-Spring vegetable salad from my go-to, Barefoot Contessa. Here’s a nicer picture of it that I had from a few years ago.

And, then there were the ebelskivers.

Do you know about ebelskivers? They are the perfect breakfast for special occasions and holidays. Little (Danish) pancake balls, usually filled with a savory or sweet surprise.  You need a special pan, but it’s worth it.

  

Fill the wells with batter, gently roll them over using chopsticks and bam! You have the cutest pancake bites. We’ve filled them with everything from cheese to nutella. Peppermint Hershey’s Kisses are a new favorite for Christmas. Here’s what they look like when they’re filled:

The typical base is light and airy thanks to some whipped egg whites, but Joe and I decided to branch out a bit and try a new recipe. This one was cornmeal based, so the pancakes were like light little poofs of cornbread. Delicious. And instead of cooking anything in the center, it suggested drizzling them with a blueberry compote which I did.

Joe took the smarter approach and split his apart like biscuits. Much easier to eat this way. More surface area for the blueberry goodness.

 

Here’s the final spread before we dug in.

Joe was on mimosa duty. mmmmm

And of course we had our favorite candy on hand.

And then it was over and I was forced to get up and look at my kitchen. And what a sad moment that was.

I’ve heard from various sources that the Easter Bunny really delivered this year. Little Linc got this adorable teething toy that looks like a smart phone. And, whatdoyaknow, it says that his Aunt NoNo is calling! How’d he know I’m on speed dial?!  I love it.

Happy Easter, everyone!

In case you missed it, here’s the recipe round-up:

Pioneer Woman’s Petite Vanilla Bean Scones

Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Vegetable and Orzo Salad

Cinnamon-Bun Ebelskivers
(a favorite recipe of ours, though not the one we made today)