Happy Easter! Easter means attending sunrise church services, decorating eggs, and enjoying a meal together with family. I have fond memories of the excitement of our kids when they were young — waking up early Easter morning to find a hidden Easter basket just for them and later having an Easter egg hunt, usually after our noon meal.

Ham Balls

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

2 pounds ground pork

2 1/2 pounds ground ham

3 eggs

3 cups crushed crackers

2 cups milk

Instructions

Combine all ingredients. Make into 25 balls. Place in a shallow pan and cover with sauce.

Sauce

2 large (14- to 16-ounce) cans tomato sauce

3/4 cup vinegar

2 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 teaspoons dry mustard

Instructions

Combine and pour over meatballs. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Cucumber Salad

Many times I prepare this salad as an extra one to throw on. It is a recipe that I remember my mom preparing, usually with cucumbers from the garden. Cucumbers are good for you and are packed with vitamin C and K, magnesium, and potassium. They can even help lower high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.

Ingredients

4 medium cucumbers, unpeeled, sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons vinegar

Instructions

Wash and slice cucumbers, leaving skin on. Mix together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour sauce over cucumbers and refrigerate overnight. Stir ingredients before serving.

Party Potatoes

Our family always likes this recipe, and it might be a good idea to double the recipe. It is an easy recipe and can be prepared the evening before the gathering.

Ingredients

6 to 8 mashed potatoes

1 carton sour cream and chive dip

1 4-ounce package cream cheese

1 large package cheddar cheese, reserving 1 cup for topping

Salt, pepper, and garlic salt, to taste

Instructions

Combine all ingredients together. Spread in a buttered pan. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, making sure the center of the potato dish is hot. Put in the oven an additional 15 minutes if the center is not hot.

Cherry Cheesecake

It is always nice to have a great dessert to serve with your Easter meal. Other options for the youngsters might be to have an ice cream sundae bar complete with chocolate syrup, nuts, colored candies and a can of whipped cream, found in the dairy section of the store.

Ingredients

1 9-inch graham cracker crust

1 (9-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

Place softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and vanilla. Beat until well blended. Pour mixture into the pie crust. Chill for five hours. Do not freeze. Pour cherry pie filling on top of pie. Serve. Makes 1 (9-inch) cheesecake.

*I like to add a dollop of whipped topping to the dish before serving it.

Loretta’s Tips

Fixing deviled eggs for Easter? To prepare eggs, bring the pot of water to a boil, making sure there is enough water to cover each egg. Reduce the heat once it is brought to a boil; add eggs slowly. Then return the heat and bring to a boil. Set timer and cook for 12 to 14 minutes. When done, immediately set eggs into a prepared bowl with water and ice. Let eggs sit for 30 minutes. Your eggs will peel easily.

Loretta Krahling is a columnist with over 38 years of newspaper experience. If you have any favorite recipes you would like to share, email them to krahling93@gmail.com.