Bunny ears. Jellybeans. Honey ham. Fruit. Ever since I can remember, Easter meals have always included the same family traditions, from “egg fights” to Mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Egg fights aren’t as messy as they sound, by the way: you just bump your hard-boiled Easter egg against your sister’s or your dad’s, and if your egg comes out unscathed, you’re the winner! Then you choose another opponent and continue “fighting” until both ends of your egg are cracked, then you peel it and eat it. It’s a fun way to play with your food and eat it, too!

Now that I’m older, I still appreciate some of the chocolate and the familiar old eggs, but I also look forward to including fresh fruit in our meal. To me, Easter not only signifies new life and celebration, but a new season, and I’m going to start a new tradition by putting fresh flavors on the table. I’m planning to make these Pancetta Crisps with Pear to contribute to the family dinner on Sunday. I think a pear-strawberry crostini or mini cheesecakes with pears would be a great addition, too.

I’m looking forward celebrating traditions both new and old on Sunday. I’ll give my Dad the black jellybeans (gross), everyone will participate in a loud, boisterous egg fight, and the family will gobble down Mom’s cinnamon rolls—and my pear appetizers.