Happy Easter, West Tennessee, and happy fourth day of spring.
This is a tad better than last Easter Sunday on April 8 when folks attending sunrise church services had to deal with record-low temperatures in the low 20s. It warmed up to the 50s during the day, but the wind was still a bit nippy for the kiddies hunting eggs outside.
With a morning low of about 32 today and a high of about 55, Easter will still be on the cool side this year. But there’s nothing like the warmth you feel on this special day if you celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
For many, Easter is the first family gathering of the year. That, of course, means favorite foods in abundance.
At my mother-in-law’s house after church, her clan will be treated to ham, potato casserole, deviled eggs, fruit salad and other goodies, including a new recipe for a rich chocolate cake. I’ve been thinking about that for three days.
After enjoying that “buffet” and a quick nap, the plan is to motor over to my mama’s house in Middle Tennessee. Most of her company will have gone home by then, but the dinner-table leftovers will be waiting. They include a chicken casserole with rice, corn pudding, steamed veggies, spiced peaches and a cherry-pink salad. Aunt Buck will bring her famous potato salad, and Aunt Fluff will provide chess pies.
If a family meal isn’t on your schedule but you’re up for a special Easter treat, you might consider taking a drive to an area Tennessee State Park restaurant for its Easter buffet. Selections and prices vary, but they all start serving at 11 a.m. and continue until closing. Prices do not include drinks.
West Tennessee parks serving the buffet are Paris Landing State Park ($14.95) outside Paris (731-642-4311), Pickwick

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