Name: Easter Stuffed Celery Recipe
Ingredients: Celery Stalks: Choose firm, crisp stalks. The celery provides the perfect crunchy base and refreshing flavor. Look for bunches with tightly packed stalks and vibrant green leaves for the best quality.; Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the creamy and luscious base of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese will offer the richest flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred.; Cooked Ham: Finely diced cooked ham adds a savory, salty element and classic Easter flavor. You can use leftover Easter ham or purchase pre-cooked ham from the deli. Prosciutto or even cooked bacon can be substituted for a different flavor profile.; Fresh Chives: Chopped fresh chives bring a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of color to the filling. Their mildness complements the cream cheese and ham beautifully.; Fresh Dill: Finely chopped fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that enhances the overall freshness of the stuffed celery. Dill is a classic pairing with cream cheese and fish, but works wonderfully with ham too.; Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the cream cheese. Freshly squeezed is always best for the most vibrant flavor.; Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, these seasonings enhance all the flavors in the filling. Start with a pinch of each and adjust to your preference. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for a more aromatic flavor.; Paprika (Optional): A sprinkle of paprika, either sweet or smoked, adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky or sweet flavor to the finished stuffed celery. It’s primarily for visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.; Hard-Boiled Eggs (Optional): Finely chopped hard-boiled eggs can be added to the filling for extra richness and protein, and they align perfectly with Easter themes.

Ingredients

Celery Stalks: Choose firm, crisp stalks. The celery provides the perfect crunchy base and refreshing flavor. Look for bunches with tightly packed stalks and vibrant green leaves for the best quality.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the creamy and luscious base of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese will offer the richest flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred.
Cooked Ham: Finely diced cooked ham adds a savory, salty element and classic Easter flavor. You can use leftover Easter ham or purchase pre-cooked ham from the deli. Prosciutto or even cooked bacon can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
Fresh Chives: Chopped fresh chives bring a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of color to the filling. Their mildness complements the cream cheese and ham beautifully.
Fresh Dill: Finely chopped fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous note that enhances the overall freshness of the stuffed celery. Dill is a classic pairing with cream cheese and fish, but works wonderfully with ham too.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the cream cheese. Freshly squeezed is always best for the most vibrant flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, these seasonings enhance all the flavors in the filling. Start with a pinch of each and adjust to your preference. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for a more aromatic flavor.
Paprika (Optional): A sprinkle of paprika, either sweet or smoked, adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky or sweet flavor to the finished stuffed celery. It’s primarily for visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs (Optional): Finely chopped hard-boiled eggs can be added to the filling for extra richness and protein, and they align perfectly with Easter themes.

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Instructions

Prepare the Celery: Begin by thoroughly washing the celery stalks under cold running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub away any dirt or grit, especially in the grooves. Pat the celery dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for ensuring your stuffed celery is clean and crisp.
Trim the Celery: Trim off the base of the celery stalks and the leafy tops. You want to use the straight, sturdy parts of the stalks for stuffing. Cut the celery stalks into 3-4 inch long pieces. Smaller pieces are easier to handle and eat as appetizers.
Prepare the Filling Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will make it much easier to mix and create a smooth, creamy filling. Finely dice the cooked ham into small, even pieces. Chop the fresh chives and fresh dill finely. If using hard-boiled eggs, peel them and finely chop them as well.
Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced ham, chopped chives, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you are using hard-boiled eggs, gently fold them into the mixture now.
Combine and Mix Thoroughly: Use a fork or a rubber spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly combined and the filling is smooth and creamy. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Stuff the Celery: Take each piece of celery and, using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill the grooves of the celery with the cream cheese mixture. Fill them generously, ensuring each groove is packed with the delicious filling. If using a piping bag, cut off the tip to create an opening and pipe the filling into the celery grooves for a neater presentation.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of visual appeal, sprinkle the stuffed celery with a pinch of paprika. This adds a subtle color contrast and a hint of flavor. You can also garnish with extra chopped fresh chives or dill sprigs for a fresh, herbaceous look.
Chill and Serve: Once all the celery pieces are stuffed and garnished, arrange them on a serving platter. Cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld together. Chilling also makes the celery even crisper. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 120
Fat: 9g