Orange Is the New Pastel: 3 Easter Brunch Ideas with Carrots

When I think of things that represent Easter, my favorite spring flower, the tulip, comes to mind. Then there's the Easter bunny's favorite food, carrots. And what would Easter be without delicious desserts??? Put them all together and what do you get? A fresh, fun, and creative cocktail, centerpiece, and sweet treat that are perfect for an Easter brunch.

Signature seasonal cocktail

A signature craft cocktail is always on my holiday entertainment menu. This beverage incorporates the fresh vegetables and flavors of the season, making it perfect for your Easter gathering. And with nearly a full day's serving of carrot juice in each glass, it's not only delicious but is packed with vitamins and minerals!

Carrot and Ginger Cocktail

SERVINGS

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Ingredients

• 2 thin slices fresh ginger
• 3 ounces carrot juice
• 1 ounce apple juice
• 1 ounce vodka
• Lime wheel (for garnish)

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Instructions

1
Muddle the ginger slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
2
Add the carrot juice, apple juice, and vodka.
3
Shake well for about 10 seconds.
4
Pour over ice.
5
Garnish with a lime wedge.

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Notes

Note: You can make fresh carrot and apple juice or buy organic prepared juices.

Fresh spring centerpiece

Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your tablescapes and floral designs takes them from pretty to pretty spectacular! A great starting point is the Baby Vegetable Gift Box or Baby Vegetables Crate from Harry & David. Brimming with the finest seasonal produce available, either one is the perfect gift for the vegetable connoisseur in your life. And if that person is you, get it for yourself!

There's something about miniatures that gets me every time, and these carrots are no exception. They're the perfect size to fit around a lowball glass to create one-of-a-kind arrangements. Simply put a rubber band around the glass and insert the carrots between the glass and the rubber band, and continue until the glass is completely covered.

Tie a coordinating ribbon around the vase to cover the rubber band. You can also use a piece of fabric, raffia, or twine.

Creating asparagus vases using this same technique is one of my go-tos in the springtime.

Everyone is always so impressed with the final arrangement, and they're even more impressed when they see how easy it is to do!

Even if you're pressed for time, you should always have flowers on your table when entertaining. And there is no easier arrangement to make than filling a favorite vase with beautiful, fresh-cut tulips. It's so easy, it's almost like the tulips arrange themselves!

Carrot-themed sweet treats

I love carrot cake! It's so decadent, with that delicious cream cheese frosting. But there are many more carrot-themed desserts available this time of year from the 1-800 Flowers family of brands, including Buttercream Frosted Carrot Cake Cookies, Foil Wrapped Chocolate Carrots, and Hoppy Easter Dipped Strawberries.

If you have the time and want to make your own chocolate-dipped strawberries, follow my instructions below. Just don't expect them to turn out as good as the ones from Shari's Berries! They've been perfecting the art of dipping strawberries into melted candy for over 30 years. Still, it is a fun project to do at home.