The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer - true signs that spring is in the air. With the start of the spring season, it is time to begin planning the traditional spring feast often celebrated for Passover or Easter. While latkes and deviled eggs are common dishes, followed by a main course of lamb served at these traditional meals, there’s no reason that they have to be blasé. We looked for inspiration across the web and found several great Passover and Easter recipes to share at your spring celebration.
Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon and Caviar (or Roe)
Potato latkes are a common item on many Passover and Easter menus, however they don’t need to taste common. With the addition of some crème fraîche and caviar or roe, you can elevate the basic potato latke into a spring holiday favorite. There’s a lot of various ways to prepare this popular food item, but we especially love the classic recipe from Bon Appétit that includes smoked salmon and caviar for that special touch.
It all starts with hand selected yukon gold potatoes and an onion - we prefer a nice yellow onion, but experimenting with different varieties will produce different flavor profiles for your latkes. Once you’ve made the latkes, mixing the crème fraîche and chopped fresh tarragon is next. Place the smoked salmon and just a dollop of the mixture on each latke, and top with your choice of caviar, roe, or alternate between the two! Our favorites include the Dill Marinated Tsar-Cut™ Salmon for how it blends with the tarragon, or forgo the tarragon and opt for the bolder spice of Pastrami Style Trout for that New York classic flavor. Our caviar preferences here include any Daurenki variation of your preference for a light complementary brine, and a salmon roe for the larger beads bursting with flavor.
Deviled Eggs with Caviar & Roe
Another spring favorite, deviled eggs, can be dolled up for added pizzazz. This is a great example of how a little creativity can take a classic Passover or Easter dish to the next level. By using crème fraîche instead of mayonnaise and adding in some dijon, the yolk mixture has a much more interesting flavor and smooth texture. Top with some caviar - Royal Kaluga Huso will do the trick. This naturally-occurring hybrid combines the creamy, buttery burst of Beluga with the rich, full flavor of Shassetra caviar for a delectable topping on any deviled egg. Alternate with salmon roe for a briny tang, for a variety of eggs that are a devilish treat!
Lamb Steaks with Milk, Honey and Cumin Marinade
Oh, how perfect! Lamb, a dish that can be found at almost every spring feast from Easter to Passover and everywhere in between, is always wonderful but this lamb steak recipe really wows us with its flavor and balance. With the milk, honey, and cumin coming together for a unique marinade, this is a dish that your guests are sure to remember. While you could also follow this recipe for the more common lamb chops or ribs, this recipe truly speaks for itself in the juiciness produced in the lamb steak.
A sprig of rosemary and a side of greens sprinkled with olive oil and kosher salt help tie it all together. Our favorite spring greens include green beans or asparagus, both of which complement the meat. Pair with rich Cabernet Sauvignon to highlight the spices and herbs in the marinade and round out the flavors of the lamb. Elevate the greens with an earthy flavor by slicing Black Truffle Almonds or drizzling with Summer Truffle Olive Oil for a side dish that almost deserves center stage.
Of course, when it comes to Easter traditions, there is usually chocolate after dinner. Easter eggs and chocolate rabbits may be a bit commonplace after the incredible dishes above, so why not serve our Gabriel Kreuther Chocolates instead? For a burst of color, our Classic and Patisserie Macarons are perfect pastels for the season, and our Butter Rum Pound Cake is the finale you’ve been waiting for. Enjoy!
Preparing to host a gathering this spring season? If you have questions or are looking for suggestions, you may contact our caviarologists® at 1-800-828-9241 for personalized recommendations. From our savory and smoky flavors to our caviar and truffle collections, we have exactly what you need from start to finish, right down to dessert.