The colors of April

April arrives like a painter splashing color into the air.

Yellow daffodils. Pink blossoms. Fresh green shoots pushing through the earth. Trees begin to bud and their leaves slowly unfold, reaching for the warmth of the sun. The world wakes up in color.

Spring moves through the world as if it is waving a magic wand. Flowers of every shape and color appear. Reds, yellows, purples and blues. Trees shed their winter coats and unveil their spring best. Branches once bare, now dressed in fresh green leaves dancing in the warm breeze.

Gardens begin to stir. The air feels lighter, warmer, alive again.

And then Easter arrives like a colorful parade ushering in spring. The Easter Bunny leads the way in his Sunday best.

Behind him come bowls of bright dye and eggs waiting to become little works of art. Blues, yellows, reds and purples appear one by one as small hands dip them into color.

Some eggs dry carefully on the table. Others quietly become something else. A little bit of mischief. Hollowed shells filled with tiny pieces of confetti, waiting for just the right moment.

Soon the parade grows.

Children laughing as they race across the yard searching for hidden eggs. Baskets swinging from their arms. Candy shining like little treasures in the grass.

And somewhere along the way an unsuspecting head becomes the target.

A quick crack. A burst of confetti. And laughter everywhere.

Families join in. Parents, grandparents and friends gathering together as if answering the parade’s invitation. The celebration moves outdoors toward parks and sunshine, picnic tables waiting under the trees.

After an afternoon of exploring, searching and a little bit of mischief, the day begins to slow.

The baskets are a little lighter. The grass still holds a few hidden treasures. Laughter lingers in the air.

And then comes Sunday dinner. Everyone gathers around the table. A traditional Easter ham with all the fixings. Fresh spring vegetables. Warm bread passed from hand to hand. Stories from the day already beginning to grow.

And before the first bite we pause. To give thanks. For family. For laughter. For the colors of the season. For days like this.

Because that is the beauty of April. A season that begins with color, carries us through celebration, and ends with the simple joy of being together.

And in the end, the true colors of April are the ones we share together.

Chef Armando’s Honey Glazed Easter Ham

Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham 8 to 10 pounds

1 cup honey

1 half cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 half teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 quarter teaspoon ground cloves

Fresh cracked black pepper optional

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Score the surface lightly in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to soak into the meat.

Cover loosely with foil and warm the ham for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until heated through.

While the ham warms prepare the glaze.

In a small saucepan combine honey, brown sugar, dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and cloves. Heat over medium stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth and fragrant.

About 30 minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil and brush the glaze generously over the surface.

Return the ham to the oven uncovered brushing with more glaze every 10 minutes until the ham develops a rich golden shine.

Remove from the oven and allow the ham to rest about 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm with fresh spring vegetables and enjoy the flavors of Easter.