Easter is this Sunday so it is time to start planning your special plans. Hopefully they will include delicious local food and of course local eggs for dying.

It is easy to find local eggs to dye. Find them at your local farmers market or at the Boise or Moscow Co-Op. Fresh eggs are a little harder to peel than supermarket eggs. There is an easy trick to not get the egg peel to stick. First start by boiling the water, then add the eggs. Boil eggs for 15 minutes. While you are waiting put some ice cubes in a bowl. When the timer goes off, drain your eggs in a colander, then gently place eggs in the bowl with ice and fill with cold water. Now let the eggs cool. When you are ready the eggs should be easy to peel. Oakdell Egg Farms is also an Idaho Preferred member with several of their producers located in Idaho.

If you are hoping to serve a local ham at your spring dinner you have several options. Vogel Farms in Kuna has fresh cured, no additives hams available. Hardball Farms in Nampa also has locally grown and processed hams for sale. Other options include Falls Brands Salmon Creek Farms Natural pork products and Homestead Naturals pork. Falls Brand Salmon Creek Farms products are widely available. You can find Homestead Naturals pork at the Boise Farmers market and at the Boise Co-Op. If you need a new recipe try Falls Brand Baked Ham with Honey-Apricot Glaze. Click here for the recipe.

Another great option is local lamb. Try local grass fed lamb from Lava Lake Lamb, Blue Sage Farms, Gutierrez Family Farms or Meadow Lark Farms. For a new recipe try Lamb Skewers with Mint Mayo or Rosemary Braised Lamb Shanks for these recipes click here.

Keep your eye out for the first of the local asparagus. You may also be able to find the first of local greens to include in a salad. Another option is to serve a local potato salad using local eggs, potatoes, onions, and mustard from Wagner Idaho Foods now available at Paul’s Markets, Whole Foods, and other locations throughout the Treasure Valley. For all locations you can click here.

Don’t feel like cooking…. No worries. The Castle Ranch Steakhouse is offering a Idaho Preferred brunch. For all the details click here.

If you are wanting something sweet to fill up those Easter Baskets then look for Weiser Classic chocolate Easter bunnies or homemade toffee from The Toffee Cottage. Want to bake something yourself then revisit Put a Little Local in Your Holiday Baking to see all the “staples” grown right here in Idaho.

Finally don’t forget the Idaho wine or Idaho craft brews. They are great to accompany any meal. They also make great gifts hostess gifts.