The Spicy Easter Dish You Didn’t Know You Needed!

A Tennessee pastor’s wife unveils a surprising twist on an Easter classic that’s sure to ignite your taste buds this holiday season. 🌐 #News #MemphisTN #Tennessee #Food

MEMPHIS, TN — In the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, where soulful traditions meet bold innovation, Easter Sunday is more than just a day of worship—it’s a feast for the senses. Enter Cassandra “Cassie” Johnson, the spirited wife of a beloved local pastor. Known for her warm smile and fiery personality, Cassie has been perfecting a dish that’s become the talk of her congregation: Spicy Honey-Glazed Ham with a Southern Kick. This isn’t just any Easter ham—it’s a testament to Cassie’s belief that food, like faith, should comfort and inspire.

“Elijah preaches with passion, and I cook with it,” Cassie laughs. Her husband’s sermons may stir the soul, but her ham lights up the table. Inspired by Memphis’s love for big flavors, Cassie’s recipe marries the sweetness of tradition with a daring twist, making it a standout at any Easter gathering.

The Secret’s in the Spice

What makes Cassie’s Spicy Honey-Glazed Ham unforgettable is its fearless heat. While most Easter hams bask in sugary glazes, Cassie spikes hers with cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, tempered by a luscious honey finish that crisps into a golden crust. The process starts with a bone-in ham, slow-roasted to juicy perfection, then slathered with a glaze that dances between sweet, smoky, and spicy.

“I wanted a dish that felt like Memphis—warm and welcoming, but with a little kick to keep you on your toes,” Cassie says. The result is a ham that mirrors the city’s barbecue legacy while adding a fresh twist to the holiday spread. It’s comfort food with attitude, perfect for a season of renewal.

How to Make It Your Own

Ready to bring Cassie’s recipe to your Easter table? It’s easy yet dazzling enough to impress. Start with a 7- to 9-pound bone-in ham, scored lightly to soak up the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together a half-cup of honey, two tablespoons of melted butter, a teaspoon of cayenne (adjust to taste), a tablespoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Brush half the mixture over the ham, roast at 325°F for about two hours, basting with the remaining glaze halfway through. Let it rest, slice, and serve—your guests won’t stop talking about it.

Cassie’s tip? Pair it with collard greens and cornbread to keep that Southern vibe going. “It’s Easter,” she says. “Go big or go home!”

A Dish That Brings People Together

For Cassie, this ham is more than a recipe—it’s a celebration of community. “In Memphis, we don’t just eat; we connect,” she explains. Whether it’s the church potluck or a family dinner, her Spicy Honey-Glazed Ham has a way of turning strangers into friends. This Easter, she hopes others will give it a try and add their own spin. “Make it yours,” she urges. “That’s what keeps traditions alive.”

So, if you’re looking to shake up your holiday menu, take a page from Cassie Johnson’s cookbook. This spicy, soulful ham might just be the Easter dish you didn’t know you needed—but won’t be able to live without.

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RELATED TOPICS: Food | Holidays | Tennessee