Now what? It’s Easter Monday. Mondays are generally hard to get started on but I’m feeling especially challenged today. Why? Because Jesus died and rose from the dead and I don’t know what – or how – to get this week properly started. Everything I can think of to do is just so minor. So insignificant. So pale by comparison.
But is it? That journey we were on for the past 40+ days, it isn’t over. Lent was just another “jump start” on our continual journey. How do I live Easter in my daily life?
By doing the little things and just keep plugging, right? For me, that includes food. Making food for others, especially my family, is how I express love. I’ve been spending lots of time in the kitchen. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy cooking and baking. I do. But this pandemic has really increased the amount of time I spend on meal planning and preparation because we’re eating three meals a day together for the most part. And groceries? Good thing my Melrose Coborn’s [grocery store] is open and operating and well stocked (for the most part…I did have to look elsewhere one week for flour and eggs). You know that Easter ham you received “free” after spending $600? Yep, I qualified for two if that tells you anything about where our money is going these days.
My favorite item I prepared for yesterday’s Easter dinner was something my dear mother-in-law made for every large Meyer get-together, a baked yam dish. If you have leftover ham from yesterday, maybe you want to give it a try. I’m not sure of her exact recipe but this is the version I made.
Baked Sweet Potatoes and Ham
29 ounce can of Cut Yams (sweet potatoes in light syrup), drained but syrup saved
20 ounce can of Pineapple Chunks (drained but this time you can drink the juice…it’s too good to waste!)
2 cups large-cube cooked Ham
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows
In a large bowl, mix reserved yam syrup (about 1 cup) with 1/4 cup cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and again, stir well to dissolve. Add drained pineapple chunks and cubed ham. Stir all together. Pour into sprayed large casserole dish with cover. Bake covered at 350 for 1 hour. Uncover. Top with mini marshmallows and bake an additional 15 minutes or until marshmallows are melted and slightly browned.
May all we do – whether in the kitchen or grocery store, while texting or home schooling, or visiting family via FaceTime – give witness to the miracle of Easter, the ever-presence of Christ in our lives.
Rita Meyer is married and the mother of four children. She and her family are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Meire Grove.