Carrot Cake

Nothing says Easter like carrot cake! This one is very easy to make, thanks to a cake mix, and just by adding some of your favorites, it can be totally customized to suit your tastebuds!!

1 box Spice Cake mix
2 cups shredded carrots
1 can crushed pineapple
1 cup raisins
1 cup coconut
1 cup walnuts - I never add these, due to hubby/oldest son allergies!

Mix up cake mix as directed on box. Stir in carrots, pineapples, & other add ins (I find carrots & pineapples to be the most important!). Pour into greased cake pans, and bake at 350*F until toothpick comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cakes cool completely & frost with cream cheese frosting.

Brownie Cheesecake

This is a quick dessert that looks fabulous!!

1 box of Brownie mix
8oz cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar

Prepare brownies as directed on mix (with eggs,water & oil). Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Beat cream cheese, egg & sugar together, until smooth. Place drops of cream cheese mixture on top of brownie batter, and use a knife to swirl. Bake as directed on brownie mix.

Roasted Asparagus

This is another favorite in our house, and screams spring/summer!! A quick & easy side dish you can make in the oven or on the BBQ!

1 bunch of asparagus
2 handfuls of mushrooms, either sliced or chunked
1/2 red onion, cut into slices
2 tsp garlic
1 TBSP lemon juice
2 tsp dill (I use dried)
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Drizzle of Olive Oil

Toss asparagus, mushrooms, onions, garlic, dill & lemon juice together, and place in baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over top & toss to coat. Place lemon wedges on top & bake at 350*F for 15 minutes (or on BBQ for about 20 min). Be sure asparagus stays tender crisp, if baked too long, it will get soggy!

Hippity Hoppity Easter Time!

I just love Easter! It is such a fun, spring holiday! Well, this year not so much, as we got a foot of snow in 24 hours! ICK!

Here is our Easter menu for tonight!
- Ham
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Asparagus roasted with mushroom, red onions, dill, lemon & garlic
- Stuffing
- Marinated veggie salad (peppers, carrots, celery, broccoli & cauliflower) - possibly
- Cheesecake Brownies
- Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting

We are having our Easter supper with friends & family. I have been cooking away since first thing this morning! Chocolate chip pancakes, ham, scalloped potatoes, & cheesecake brownies are all ready to go! Closer to supper time, I`ll make the stuffing & asparagus!

Dessert is my favorite though! I made a delicious Cheesecake Brownie, and currently have a (last minute) carrot cake in the oven. That will taste amazing with cream cheese frosting!!

Do you have any family traditions that you have to have with Easter dinner? What is one food you can`t celebrate Easter without??

The recipes for the aspargus, cheesecake brownies & carrot cake will follow :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with those you cherish!!

Robyn :)