FOOD: A Different Family Easter Dinner

A Different Family Easter Dinner

By Jorge Jefferds April 3, 2015 

We always need to remember the real meaning of Easter, no matter we are Christians or not. Unlike Christmas and Thanksgiving, this is a moment for sharing some meditation, our feelings or thoughts about things we have done right, and wrong. Also, Easter is the occasion to make amends. We offer and receive peace from the brother, or sister, with whom we stopped talking for a while. We visited our relatives, who are confined in bed with a terminal disease, in jail, or in hospital.

During these special moments, we welcome the family in our homes and there’s nothing more satisfying than a different Easter dinner. It is then, when we need to think what to cook. Here you will find three ideas, concepts that will delight your loved ones, and they will never forget.

Cognac Chicken (5 Servings)

Ingredients

5 chicken thighs or breasts

½ liter white wine

1 cup Cognac

Salt, pepper

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, minced

1 tablespoon butter

½ tablespoon vegetable oil

Preparation

Wash the chicken portions, season well with salt, pepper and garlic, and set aside in a pan. Melt butter, mixing it with the carrots, and 3 cloves garlic, minced. Pour this mixture over the chicken, and fry everything until golden. Add the white wine, Cognac, vegetable oil, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes.  

Serve with hot rice, French fries, or just vegetables.

Shrimp Empanadas (15 Servings)

Ingredients

1 lb flower

½ tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

½ tablespoon milk

½ tablespoon yeast

Vegetable oil

1 cup warm water (about 110º)

½ lb fresh, pre-cooked shrimps

½ onion, chopped

1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped

½ lb Swiss cheese in cubes

1 tablespoon white wine

Preparation

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water, adding the teaspoon sugar, the milk, and the baking powder. Pour about 1 cup flour with the salt and oil; beat well. Add enough additional flour to make stiff dough. Turn out into lightly floured board and knead for about 10 minutes, adding flour as needed, until dough is smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl and turn to coat the surface. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

In a large bowl, mix the shrimps with the ingredients (onion, cilantro, the tablespoon white wine, and cheese cubes), stir, and set in the refrigerator until flavors are combined.

Form 12-inch tortillas with the dough, filling the center of each one of them with the ingredients. Before sealing the edges, make sure to leave enough space around the mixture. If possible, moist the edge with little water to help you form the empanadas. Pour oil into medium size skillet to depth of 1 inch or so. Heat oil to hot, but not smoking. Fry empanadas, turning until golden and crusty on all sides. 

Don't forget to delight your guests with wine. Remember that the ancient beverage was part of the Last Supper with Jesus, and his disciples. Try Sauvignon Blanc with your Cognac Chicken, and Pinot Noir with the Shrimp Empanadas. 

Happy Easter!