There are many holidays that my family and I use as an excuse to get together (with food) and eat! With Easter being no exception. And although my family and I are not religious, I think it’s safe to assume that most families would use any holiday to bring their families together; to eat, to relax and just enjoy each other’s company.

For my family, some of us live a 2-minute walk from each other, but that doesn’t mean we see each other often. As I grew older, from high school to post secondary, I’ve noticed that I tend to cherish these family events (and I know my cousins would agree).

And with that being said, let me take you through my first Easter dinner of the year, hosted at my aunt’s (and cousins and uncle’s, HAHA!).

I, just a bit, envy this family’s ways. They always know how to host, whether it be a dinner or whatever. Almost every time I go over, they have flowers on the table (fake, dried, or real). I think this is the first key to being hosts and or hostesses.

Number two: they always have an assortment of snacks and foods ready when their guests arrive. Well, the napoleon cake, egg tarts and cookies were brought over (by my other aunt and my family).

Popcorn makes another great snack when having guests over (I asked and the popcorn was leftovers from a trip to the movie theatres but I won’t tell anyone else). There was also salsa, guacamole and chips!

There was plenty to eat, as everyone was basically carrying their stomache around the house after dinner.

Made: Portuguese salad was first.

Bought: coconut shrimp.

Bought: McCain superfries.

Made: Ontario vs Australian lamb. Difference? I think the Australian lamb melts in your mouth and the Ontario lamb is more chewy.

Bought: baguettes, although it’s just bread, spreading room temperature butter on it, or dipping it in olive oil makes a whole lot of difference.

Made: boiled kale.

Dinner for 11 people. Food was greatly appreciated, as we forgot the spiced rice that my family cooked and there was also boiled asparagus.

Dessert in this family is a must. Almost everyone brings something for dessert. Like this chocolate cake.

The host family bought this red velvet cake (from Freshco).

The night ended with moving away from the dinner table to the living room, talking hours and hours with my cousins that I don’t see very often, about the most randomest things in life. And a slice of cake with ice cream of course.

P.S. To my cousin that loves reading my food posts (you know who you are), I’m very happy that you enjoy it. I tried to have this up as soon as possible (just for you. : ) ]