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Happy Sunday,
Have you ever been welcomed back to a place you love in the most wonderful way possible?
Sometimes I believe certain people are placed in our lives for a reason. One day, they are simply acquaintances, and before you know it, you can’t imagine your life without them. You feel it instantly - this friendship is different. It’s deeper. It’s rooted in kindness, understanding, and a quiet kind of love that doesn’t require many words.
The kind of friendship that simply scoops you up.
Without ever saying that you needed to be lifted, somehow they know. They show up in the most thoughtful ways. They see the things you may not even have the courage to say out loud yet. Those are the friendships that become treasures in life - the ones that remind you how deeply we can care for one another.
That is exactly how it felt returning to our mountain home and being welcomed back to Currahee Club.
My dear friend Denise invited us to dinner, and it was one of those evenings that fills your heart as much as it fills your plate. Along with Val and Nancy, we gathered around Denise’s table for a meal that reminded me exactly why sharing food with friends is one of life’s greatest gifts!
Denise prepared the most delicious roasted chicken alongside something I had surprisingly never tried before - baked parsnip fries.
Now I know what you’re thinking… parsnips?
But let me tell you, I instantly fell in love with them. They were simple, light, and absolutely delicious. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the perfect side dish for a cozy spring dinner. I couldn’t stop thinking about them the rest of the night. The kind of dish that reminds you the simplest ingredients can sometimes be the most special.
I’ll be sharing the recipe with you very soon because it truly deserves a place on your table!
The following day brought another gift.
Denise, Val, and Nancy took me on a little adventure to Highlands, North Carolina, and what a treat that was for my soul. If you’ve never visited, it is one of the most charming little towns tucked into the mountains. The streets are lined with beautiful shops, cozy cafés, and the kind of character that makes you want to slow down and wander.
We spent the day antiquing and thrifting, two of my favorite things - and enjoyed a wonderful lunch filled with stories, laughter, and the kind of conversation that makes time disappear.
It was one of those perfect days where you feel completely present. No rushing. No worries. Just gratitude.
They say true friendships only happen a handful of times in life. The kind where people understand you without explanation. The kind where they somehow know what you need before you even find the words yourself.
Those are the friendships worth holding onto.
And I know in my heart this is one of them.
As I’m settling back into our mountain home and soaking in this beautiful season, my mind is also starting to wander toward Easter. I’ve been thinking about the menu and, of course, the centerpiece of the table - the ham.
Over the years, I’ve made so many versions. A classic brown sugar glaze, honey sriracha, pineapple, and maple… each one delicious in its own way. But now I’m wondering if it’s time to try something new this year.
So I’d love to know…
How do you prepare your Easter ham?
Do you have a glaze or family tradition that everyone looks forward to every year?
Your ideas always inspire me, and who knows - one of them may just end up on our Easter table this year.
Because at the end of the day, it isn’t just about what we cook.
It’s about the friends and family we gather around the table with.
Wishing you a week filled with good food, warm laughter, and friendships that lift your spirit.
With love from our table to yours,
Isabel 🫶
Easter Ham Recipes for Your Holiday Table
If you're planning your Easter menu, ham is always the star of the table. Whether you love a classic sweet glaze or something a little smoky, these are some of my favorite ways to prepare it.
Looking for the perfect finishing touch? I also put together a collection of my favorite ham glazes!
- Pineapple Ham - A classic holiday favorite with sweet, caramelized pineapple baked right into the glaze. It’s bright, flavorful, and always a crowd pleaser.
- Grilled Ham - Grilling ham brings out an incredible smoky flavor and beautiful caramelized edges. Perfect if you want to try something a little different this Easter.
- Honey Glazed Ham - This traditional honey glaze creates that beautiful glossy coating with just the right balance of sweet and savory.
- Smoked Ham - Slow-smoked ham develops deep, rich flavor and incredible tenderness, making it a wonderful centerpiece for a special gathering.
- Brown Sugar Glazed Instant Pot Ham - Short on time? This Instant Pot version gives you all the classic brown sugar glazed flavor while keeping the ham perfectly juicy.
- Air Fryer Ham - Perfect for smaller gatherings, this air fryer ham cooks quickly while still giving you that delicious caramelized exterior.
Missed a week? Check out my last blog post, too!
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