Easter Traditions Always Evolving

Hi Meltingpot Readers,

Did you know Easter is one of my favorite holidays? Although now that I"m living gluten and sugar-free, I'm not sure I feel the same way since I can't eat jelly beans and marshmallow eggs. (sigh) But I just love dying easter eggs and buying pretty spring flowers and fresh asparagus and English peas. And as a mom, I love hunting for the perfect treats for my kids' Easter baskets.

This year, thanks to an overzealous grandmother and great-auntie who've already sent my boys butt loads of candy, I didn't want to add a lot of extra candy to their Easter baskets. Not to mention, the latest research linking artificial food colors to ADHD made me rethink the pastel M&Ms and Starburst jellybeans. So what did I do? I bought all of my Easter candy in very small containers from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods this year. Jelly beans and gum drops are all colored with fruit and vegetable dyes. Chocolate is all natural and organic. And none of it was more expensive than I would have paid from say, Target. But, I admit, I bought much smaller quantities.

A good friend of mine told me she often puts socks and flip flops in her kids' Easter baskets instead of loading it up with candy, so I tried to be more original as well. So this year, in addition to all natural candy, my kids will find packets of vegetable seeds to plant in our garden, a CD of kid's music and a collection of Superman videos. Oh, and new recycled toothbrushes. I'm pretty pleased with myself. But I'm curious, what do you other moms place in your kids' Easter baskets? That is if you even celebrate this particular holiday?

And FYI, I'm making dinner too. Wanna know what's on the menu? El esposo (who by the way, doesn't remember a single thing about celebrating Easter in Spain!!!) and I created our menu last night.

Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken
Shrimp and Spring Vegetable Risotto
Scalloped Potatoes
Asparagus
Garden salad
Spanish Olives
Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream (sweetened with agave nectar of course)

Yummy.

I'll tell you how it all turns out. I hope you all have a sweet and happy Easter!

Peace.