Easter Lunch With Friends

Manners & Responsibility: Teaching Table Manners

We're food writers and chefs, but we're also parents of a 4-year-old daughter, so we love welcoming kids to the grown-up table. This year we're making an Easter lunch that gives holiday classics bright, flavorful twists. Lamb lollipops, anyone?

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Brief description of the image or recipe title — Tara Donne

Tara Donne

A Family Affair

We believe holiday meals can be easy to prepare and family-friendly, yet still impressive. When we're getting ready for company, our daughter Parker loves to help, whether it's tearing mint or "taste-testing."

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Sweet-Pea Mash on Toast — Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Sweet-Pea Mash on Toast

This flavorful puree easily doubles as baby food.

For a chunkier spread, we pour the cooked peas into a zip-top bag and let Parker smoosh them with a rolling pin.

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Lemon Grilled Lamb Chops — Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Lemony-Grilled Lamb Lollies

These chops are a perfect finger food for little ones.

If it's too chilly to grill, cook the chops under the broiler or on a grill pan.

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Honey-Roasted Carrots — Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Honey-Roasted Carrots

Just like grown-ups, kids eat with their eyes first, so we try to make all our dishes look colorful and appealing. These carrots definitely fit the bill!

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How to Roast Right

Watch as Parents contributor Jenna Helwig shares her tips and tricks for roasting.

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Parmesan Smashed Potatoes — Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

One of our favorite expressions is "big flavor for little mouths." We give Parker the chance to try everything. Most of the time she loves things as much as we do -- especially these cheesy potatoes!

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Lemon Icebox Pie — Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Lemon Icebox Pie

For dessert, let the kids enjoy what the adults are eating. This cool, velvety treat comes together in less than half an hour.

To save time day-of, prep and freeze your pie the day before. Defrost for 15 minutes before serving.

Dress up your dinner table with serving ware from Shop Parents

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Manners & Responsibility: Teaching Table Manners

Do your kids have bad table manners? Help your kids learn how to behave at mealtime.

Originally published in the April 2014 issue of Parents magazine.

By Brooke Parkhurst and James Briscione

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