Easter is one of those holidays that bring out the chef in many of us. Even people who almost never cook anything that takes more than 15 minutes, pull out all the stops for this holiday.

Maybe the arrival of spring puts us in the right frame of mind.

If you're looking to try something new or if you're getting ready for your first Easter meal tomorrow, here are some ideas for your last-minute menu, courtesy of OnMilwaukee.com staffers.

Molly Snyder Edler
Staff Writer
Peepsicles

Let me begin by saying I am a huge fan of the marshmallow Peep, but I have not (yet) tried this recipe. I am, however, absolutely enamored with the idea of a frozen Peep and I plan to make Peepsicles in the very near future. I will report back.

Peep lovers are usually divided into two camps: those who like them soft and gooey and those who like them stale and chewy. I side with the latter group, but according to the Peeps Web site (www.marshmallowpeeps.com) -- which is where I found this recipe -- many Peep enthusiasts prefer their Peeps frozen.

6 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut or 1/2 cup peanuts, finely chopped
12 popsicle sticks
12 Peeps bunnies, any color

Directions: Line a baking sheet with wax paper.

Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth.

Smooth out the coconut or nuts on a plate.

Insert one craft stick about halfway into the bottom section of one bunny (uh-oh; Peep abuse?) Dip into the chocolate, turning to coat completely. Holding the dipped bunny over the bowl of chocolate, use a knife to scrape the excess chocolate off the back and bottom of the bunny, letting it fall back into the bowl. Hold the bunny over the plate of coconut or nuts and sprinkle to cover all sides.

Place the bunny on the prepared baking sheet and repeat to dip the remaining bunnies. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

Serve frozen. Makes 12 Peepsicles.

Julie Lawrence
Staff Writer
Pecan waffles with roasted pecan and banana syrup

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground lightly toasted pecans
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
4 eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted butter plus 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
2 1/2 cups milk
Vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray, for coating the waffle iron
1 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup cane syrup
4 medium bananas, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices

Directions: Preheat the waffle iron and preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Combine flour, pecans, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk together. In another bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar and whisk until pale yellow. Add vanilla extract, 1/2 cup melted butter and milk, and whisk together. Combine the egg and milk mixture with the flour mixture and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, about a minute. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter. Again, do not overmix.

Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the waffle iron with some vegetable oil. Pour enough batter into the iron to just barely cover the waffle grid. Close the waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions, or until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the remaining waffles.

In a saute pan, add the remaining 1/2 cup of butter and the pecan pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pecan pieces are light golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the banana slices and cook until light golden and soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the syrup and bring to a simmer. Serve with the warm waffles.

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Posted by FunkyBrewster on April 12, 2009 at 8:42 a.m. (report)

Healthier Egg and sausage dish I too have enjoyed this dish but in recent years we make it like this... 1 lb. Morning Star Sausage Links 6 egg beaters 2 cup skim milk 1 tsp. dry mustard 2 slices dry bread crumbs 1 cup grated Veggie Shreds cheddar cheese 3 tbl. chopped onions Directions: Mix all ingredients together, with bread crumbs on the bottom and others sprinkled in layers over the top. Spread in an 11"x7" Pyrex baking dish. Refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Or use the crockpot method but be careful mine is small and the dish grows while it cooks and can overflow. I wish I was the Betty Crocker type who had walnuts and pecans and cranberries on hand! Some of the staffs ideas of what a last minute dish is cracks me up. I checked and all I have in the house is some Baking Soda and some Vinegar maybe I can make a Magic Easter Volcano and eat the lava. For this experiment, you'll need the following materials: vinegar baking soda food coloring 16oz soda bottle funnel baking pan sand glue dish soap warm water To create your erupting volcano, follow these directions: 1. To make the volcano cone: Pour glue into the tray, making sure most of it is in the center. Glue the bottle in the center of the aluminum tray. 2. Using your hands, cover the entire surface of the bottle with glue. 3. Pour sand into the tray so your volcano looks like its on a beach. Be careful not to get sand inside the bottle. Use food coloring to make it look like it is on an island. You might want to add some water or glue to the sand, to make it stickier. 4. When finished, let it dry for about an hour. 5. To create lava: Add some red and yellow food coloring to your cup of vinegar. 6. Using a funnel, fill the bottle halfway through with warm water. 7. Add a squirt or two of soap to your bottle. 8. Slowly pour the vinegar into your cone. 9. To make your volcano erupt: Place 2 teaspoons of baking soda onto a tissue. 10. Twist up the tissue so it looks like a little pouch. 11. Strap on your goggles to protect your eyes from the eruption. 12. Drop the pouches into the volcano and watch it explode! Nah. I think I still have some credits on the PSN maybe I can download Piyotama and Flower how Easter is that? Happy Easter.

Posted by peapod on April 11, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. (report)

Here is one I have not tried but friends went out and had it at a relatives. Take a twinkies and cover lightly with whipped cream, pour blended frozen strawberries on top/ fresh strwberries. Yummie!