by Kara Johnson
Happy Easter from The Cook Shop Family!
In New Orleans, Easter is a joyful mix of faith, food, family, and tradition. Here’s how we celebrate—Louisiana style.
Childhood Memories and Easter Traditions
I remember waking up to the smell of something sweet and savory drifting through the house. Gospel music played softly as we got ready for church. After service, we’d head to a relative’s home—someone with a yard big enough for everyone. At the center of it all? A slow-roasted ham glazed just right. The house smelled like love. The table was full: candied yams, baked mac and cheese, deviled eggs, and buttery rolls. We seasoned everything with love. That same love inspired The Cook Shop Seasoning Blends.
Backyard Fun and Homemade Candy
After dinner, the cousins and I would perform a skit or a Bible story with dramatic flair. We played egg hunts, sack races, and tug-of-war. Dessert followed. Pound cakes. Pecan pies. Bread pudding. Peach cobbler gone in minutes. No Easter candy could compete with our homemade treats. My grandmother, Aunt Marilyn, and mom made all the Elmer’s classics from scratch. Goldbrick eggs with pecans, heavenly hash with almonds, chocolate cherries, and bunny suckers—beautifully hand-decorated.
Louisiana-Inspired Easter Basket Ideas
Skip the plastic grass and mass-produced candy this year. Fill your baskets with Louisiana sweetness.
Pralines
Creamy, buttery, and full of pecans. A true Southern classic.
Saltwater Taffy
Buy small-batch versions in satsuma, cane syrup, or café au lait flavors.
Divinity
A fluffy, nougat-like candy made with egg whites, sugar, and pecans.
Stuffed Beignets
Mini beignets with fruit or chocolate fillings, dusted in powdered sugar.
Homemade Popcorn Balls
Color them pastel, sweeten with cane syrup, and spice them up with The Cook Shop blends.
Related: Easter Gumbo Recipe
Easter Menu From The Cook Shop Kitchen
Main Course: Cajun-Glazed Ham
Glaze it with brown sugar, Creole mustard, and cayenne. Baste often. Finish uncovered for a caramelized crust.
Sides and Starters
- Deviled Eggs with Crabmeat – Classic with a seafood twist.
- Sweet Potato Casserole – Topped with pecan praline crumble.
Dessert: Lemon Doberge Cake
Layers of lemon filling and fluffy cake with a smooth glaze. Light and luscious.
Drinks to Pair
Adults will love mint juleps. Kids enjoy strawberry lemonade.
How To Keep Ham Moist
Q: How do I keep my ham from drying out?
A: Cover it in foil. Baste every 20 minutes. Remove foil near the end to let the glaze caramelize.
Easter Skit and Talent Show Ideas
Skit 1: “The Great Easter Egg Mix-Up”
Two helpers mix up deliveries. The lesson? Love and laughter matter more than perfect baskets.
Skit 2: “Resurrection Remix”
Kids act out the Easter story with an angel “reporter.” Fun, reverent, and memorable.
Skit 3: “Sunday Best Fashion Show”
A spoof runway show featuring Easter outfits or costumes like eggs, bunnies, or lambs.
Talent Show Fun
- Lip Sync Battle – Let kids perform fun, clean songs with flair.
- Poetry & Praise – Kids share poems or gratitude lines. Turn it into a spoken word moment.
Order The Cook Shop Seasoning Blends Today!
We’ve made it even easier to shake on flavor.
Our anti-caking formula means stress-free cooking. Shake, season, and enjoy!
👉 Click Here For Flavor
👉 Click Here For Our Baked Ham Recipe