Guess Who's Coming to Visit??

No, not the Easter bunny...


But my Business Man's family!


We aren't able to go home for Easter (stupid work), so we invited both our parents to come out and spend Easter here in the Bean Town. My parents decided to come next weekend (for the marathon!) instead, but my Business Man's family is still coming this weekend! His brothers go to college about 100 miles from here, so they'll be joining us as well.

So this will be my first 'official' big holiday meal. In our teeny tiny apartment kitchen. Cooking dinner for 8. 


Now, before I start blabbering on about what will be served at our Easter celebration, I want to rewind back to last night. My Business Man had a networking event to attend up in Toledo, and of course I got to accompany him. With the promise of a yummy meal afterward.


This gave me an excuse to dress up a bit today. I mean, not that I don't dress nice everyday for school, but I made sure to look extra-cute.

I got this dress from the Limited back February on clearance. Finally had a chance to wear it!

Several students asked me what I was so dressed up for... I replied with, "I've got a hot date tonight!" And they just laughed. [Side note: I also received a kiwi fruit from a student yesterday. I guess apples are overrated.]


Anyways, after the big networking event, we headed over to Biaggi's for dinner. Swoon. 

They have the most delicious focaccia bread I have ever eaten, and they give it to you right when you sit down. With a little olive oil and parmesan cheese; I was in fluffy carb-heaven. Who says you can't start carb-loading for a marathon 9 days early?

Not my picture, but you get the idea.

I ordered the Garlic Shrimp Oreganata, which is described as "Oven-roasted shrimp in an oregano and garlic breadcrumb crust. Served with capellini pasta tossed in a fresh tomato-basil sauce." It was soooo good! And my Business Man's lasagna was delicious, too.


I just love Biaggi's. If you have one anywhere near, you should definitely try it.


Anyways... back to Easter. I mentioned my Business Man's family is coming. So I am making Easter dinner. Which I'm sure I'll get lots of help, because his family is awesome.


I braved the crowds of Meijer this morning to get my groceries, and it really wasn't too bad just yet. I knew I wouldn't want to go at all tomorrow because the day before holidays brings all the crazies to the supercenters.


Here's the loot:

I didn't get out quite as low as our usual grocery bill, but I thought I did pretty well! Just under $100 for all that.


And now for the menu. My Business Man's mom has to eat gluten-free, so I tried to incorporate things that she would be able to eat so we didn't have to cook 16 million different things.

Easter Menu 2011

Strawberry Spinach Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Lemon-Roasted Chicken

Spring Green Risotto with Asparagus & Peas

Glazed Fruit Salad

Golden Honey Pan Rolls

Blackberry Cheesecake

I think my Business Man's mom will be able to eat almost everything, except for the rolls. I even got gluten-free shortbread cookies for the cheesecake crust! 

While we're on the topic of Easter-type foods, I would like to flashback to Easter 2008. My Business Man and I (thinking back on it, it was probably just me) wanted to make a dish to take to both our family's Easter celebrations, so we settled on a recipe from Taste of Home for Spinach Dip in Bunny Bread.

He was just thrilled to spend his evening shaping bread dough into bunny shapes. Can't you see his enthusiasm?

I enjoyed it very much and even acted like a bunny at some points.

The finished product! And then we carved big holes out of their bellies and filled them with spinach dip. A little weird, but cute.


Maybe I'll need to add an appetizer course to the menu. ;-)


And another flashback picture:

My hair was short!

My mom and dad hid tons of Easter eggs filled with candy around the house for us to find. And we were 19 and 20 years old. And it was so much fun. For the record, I found the most eggs. Mom, will you hide eggs for us this year?


And now, we're off to go on adventure with some friends from the Bean Town. Think Swedish super-store... yessssssssssssss!