Easter Peas and Potatoes Nests

by Mary Marlowe Leverette
(Columbia, SC, USA)

While mashed potatoes and peas were pretty common on our dinner table, my mother made them special every Easter by making these Easter Nests. She would make a nest for everyone (it's very easy to double and triple the recipe) and even the adults seemed to love them. I always knew it was Easter when I saw the nests around the platter of ham.

1 cup hot mashed potatoes (with added milk and butter)
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dash dill weed
2 teaspoons butter
1 cup cooked green peas

In a small bowl, combine mashed potatoes and egg yolk; mix well. Stir in the cheese. Spoon potatoes into two mounds onto a greased baking sheet.

With the back of a spoon, shape each mound into a 4-inch nest. Sprinkle with dill; dot with butter.

Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30-35 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown. Fill nest with peas. Bake 10 minutes longer or until heated through. Yield: 2 servings.