Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, is Christianity’s most important holiday. Lately I've found myself reminiscing about the church that I grew up in, the churches that I've worked for, and Easters past. Recollections of Easter dresses, little white gloves, Easter bonnets and palm frond crosses quickly come to mind.

The Beat is back and hungry for more.

Story and Photos by Mark Shaffer

Charles Kuralt once wrote that in America, “You can find your way across this country using burger joints the way a navigator uses stars.” A lot has changed since Kuralt wrote that line. There are far fewer of those stars thanks to the relentless flood of corporate fast food. Back in the day a burger was something made by hand and served up at hometown diners and drive-ins with names like Ruth’s and Big Al’s. My own hometown burger joint (Ruth’s in Hartsville, SC) has been family owned and operated since 1945. Located just a few blocks from the high school, it’s still the first place anyone looks for truant students.

It's a real treat for me to find recipes that don't completely wreck my kitchen. Dirty dishes seem to follow me everywhere I go. I guess it's one of the hazards of my chosen profession. Both of the recipes this week are super delicious and super easy. Best of all, they both only use a very few dishes. Happy Cooking!