This time of year, we’re keen to bid a fond farewell to winter by adding the flavours of spring to every meal. So invite family and friends for a delicious spring celebration. Then, whatever your budget or level of culinary expertise, celebrate the season’s warmer temperatures and fresh-tasting ingredients with our menus for an Easter buffet, a casual brunch and an afternoon dessert party.

Host an elegant dinner

We like to keep it simple. First, start with the seasonal fresh and salty flavours of Bacon-Topped Pea & Mint Crostini—a creamy and crunchy combo that makes guests feel like spring really is in the air.

Follow up with lightly smokey and sweet Sensations by Compliments Hickory Smoked Honey Ham. Spiral-cut, it creates a show-stopping centrepiece that’s incredibly easy to prepare—just heat, glaze and serve! On the side, citrus brightens the flavour of tender broccoli florets in our Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli. With a luxurious Parmigiano Reggiano topping, it takes just 15 minutes to prep and cook. Add Mini Potatoes with Brown Butter & Herbs to complete the main course; we like to add extra fresh parsley and thyme, and a toasted almond garnish to this hearty side.

For dessert, we’ve got you covered. Profiteroles with Compliments, anyone? Decadent-tasting layers of mascarpone-based limoncello cream, almond sponge cake and blackberry sauce are key to this Profiteroles with Compliments ready-to-go finale. Garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves for a homemade touch.

Serve a Mediterranean Easter buffet

Ham may be traditional, but we say, why not experiment? Lay out a fresh spread of Mediterranean flavours in advance so your guests can help themselves—and you can enjoy time with them. We love the garlicky pesto marinade and sprinkling of goat cheese on these Tangy Greek Lamb Chops. They pair perfectly with a crispy Greek Salad with Mint and lemony Brown Rice Tabouleh.

As a colourful highlight to the buffet, stay on theme with a light-tasting Profiteroles with Compliments. Or keep dessert simple with buttery Almond-Orange Cookies, ready in just 35 minutes.

Share a casual brunch

We think the best brunches are easy to make and budget friendly! Start with spring-inspired fruit drinks—such as Compliments Balance Fruit Juice Blends in cherry or blueberry-pomegranate—served in pitchers with sweet, fresh berries and ice. And offer flavourful just-brewed hot drinks, too: Tea with Compliments peppermint tea comes in Green, Bold Chai, Earl Grey and tea with compliments peppermint tea flavours to keep everyone happy. For an added touch of spring, garnish with sprigs of fresh mint.

Tomato Quiche with Bacon & Goat’s Cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. You can go traditional with smokey bacon, though we like to switch it up with cubed ham, smoked salmon or, as a vegetarian-friendly option, pan-fried mushrooms. On the side, there’s a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne pepper in Asparagus with Broiled Spiced Tangerines, which looks and tastes fancy but takes just 20 minutes to make.

For a touch of sweetness, pick up flaky All-Butter Croissants in our bakery, or pop Compliments Gluten-Free Quinoa Muffins (wrapped in moist paper towel) in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven effect. Serve with fruity Jam with compliments.

Enjoy an afternoon dessert party!

Sometimes we prefer to cut straight to our favourite course—dessert and coffee. To take advantage of the first fresh fruits of the season, bake this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. Or invite over a few friends and go all-out decadent with this recipe for super-moist Chocolate Banana Buttermilk Cake. Buttermilk is naturally low in fat, and this cake has just 220 calories per slice. If a tangy citrus dessert tops your list, whip up these Lemon Squares with a rich walnut base.

No time to make your own? Our bakery department has plenty of delicious-tasting, ready-to-serve dessert trays that can be ordered ahead, or simply grab a ready-made tray. Your guests can then pick their favourite sweets.

To accompany these scrumptious treats, we like to brew a large pot of Compliments Canadian Blend Coffee, made with lightly roasted, 100% arabica beans.

Now, we think it’s time to just sit back, relax and watch the flowers grow!