Looking back on Easter dinner, I have to ask myself: have I had a baked ham for every single Easter meal of my life? And, since the answer is likely yes, does that explain how I never ever prepare ham any of time of the year?

It's silly, in a way, because ham is such a versatile source of protein and an agreeable part of a meal. It lends itself to basic home cooking --- nothing fancy but always reliable. It easily adapts  to a bit of drama --- why not glaze it in brown sugar and horseradish and lots of chopped garlic? You can bake it, stir-fry it, sandwich it, fry it with eggs, casserole it and a personal favorite, top it on your Friday night nachos. Yes, ham is a valuable item to have on hand, and no, I don't think eternity is two people and one ham. (But it seems like it.)

That said, I started thinking about the remainder of my Easter meal. It includes the following: a potato casserole of some sort (my sister's is the best, with hash browns, jalapenos and plenty of shredded cheddar), some light and buttery rolls, asparagus roasted in the oven or lightly trimmed and well-seasoned in a sauce, a green salad which never is fully eaten by the guests (salad seems to expand or contract so I never adjust the quantity: I just make the same amount and there are always leftovers), and the piece de resistance: a jello mold. Now, jello is a family tradition, and it's always fruit-based, with things like whipped cream or cream cheese to make it even more alluring and dessert-like. Of course, there are desserts beyond the chocolate eggs. There is a non-chocolate dessert (this year was apple pie, rhubarb clafourti and cream pufffs) and a wonderful, over-the-top chocolate dessert.

Would I change this Easter meal? Should I change it? It seems to me this is the quintessential spring meal of families around the country, particularly the tradition-loving Midwest. I think about different options: hey, why not a big prime rib? Possibly leeks? Hmmm, cupcakes are big right now. Why not a huge loaf of sourdough bread?  Should I dispense with the jello?

I think of these things and I revert back to what is familiar, usual and, I have to admit, beloved and foolproof. So Easter dinner remains the same, and the guests are happy.