Easter Scramble: Last-Minute Family Feasts

Will it be the old standby--ham and scalloped potatoes--on Easter this year? Maybe your special contribution is to include some Maryland crabs or other local delicacies.

Whether you're traditional or want to try something new, we're told there are plenty of quick and easy ways to get a great meal on the table, even with time running short.

On South Cobb, GA, Patch, food columnists John and Patty Gifaldi for a last-minute Easter meal, using chuck roast in a recipe they call "bourbon steak." It's accompanied by French onion soup, herb-roasted potatoes and salad.

Rachel Ray offers a quick Easter lunch paying homage to tradition, with a recipe for red-eye ham steaks, cheese grits and chard.

At the Domestic Diva site, it's recommended that time-challenged cooks buy a fully cooked ham, add a glaze, and whip up a green bean casserole, putting their time and attention on the macaroni and cheese casserole.

If your go-to solution is the slow cooker, Crockpot Chutney Ham might be your best option, according to this recipe from About.com. It's apparently all about the mango chutney and balsamic vinegar.

Or you can take the day off and let someone else do the cooking for you.

Try:

 (reservations required)

 (serving Easter brunch and dinner)

 (brunch 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)  

 (brunch 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

 (brunch 1 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

 (brunch 10 a.m.)