by The Secret to a Winnin’ Easter
Setting: It’s a sunny spring afternoon in South Philadelphia. We find ourselves in the kitchen of Jason Kelce’s charming row home. The smell of ham and spices wafts through the air as Jason bustles about, putting the finishing touches on his Easter feast. He’s dressed casually in jeans and an Eagles apron, with a Phillies baseball cap perched jauntily on his head.
Kelce: Alright folks, it’s the big day! Time to unveil my famous Kelce family secret – the recipe for a truly winnin’ Easter. You’re not gonna find a spread this good anywhere else, I guarantee it. I’m talkin’ golden eggs, smoked meats, fresh veggies – it’s got it all. But it takes more than just throwin’ some ingredients in a bowl, you gotta put your heart into it. Just like blocking for Big QB1 out there, the key is teamwork. So c’mon, gather round, I’m gonna show you how it’s done Philly style!
The star center begins pulling ingredients from the fridge and pantry with a flourish, lining them up on the massive kitchen island.
Kelce: First up, the foundation – cage-free eggs, of course. Gotta keep those yolks lookin’ healthy and strong, just like our Birds out there. Next, a smoked ham from DiNics, rubbed with my secret blend of spices. It’s been slowly cookin’ all mornin’, soakin’ up maximum flavor. And what’s an Easter spread without fresh veggies? I’ve got asparagus, green beans and brussels sprouts from the Reading Terminal Market. Gotta fuel up for those long spring days in the yard!
Kelce’s eyes light up as he unveils the pièce de résistance – a towering basket filled with dyed eggs in every color of the rainbow.
Kelce: Now these beauties are no ordinary eggs. See, when I was a kid, me and my brothers used to have the most epic Easter egg dyeing contests. I’m talkin’ tie-dye techniques, marbling, even hidden messages inside. We’d spend hours perfectin’ our craft. And may the best artist win the golden egg trophy! I still bust these bad boys out every year. Tradition is tradition, after all.
He selects a few sample eggs, holding them up for inspection. A perfect Phillies P stares back from one, while another sports an intricate swirl of green and black resembling Lincoln Financial Field turf.
Kelce: Ain’t they beauties? Brings me right back to those glory days in the backyard. But I didn’t invite you here just to show off my egg art skills. It’s time to get cookin’!
The lineman rubs his hands together eagerly, surveying the bounty before him.
Kelce: Alright, first we’ll start with the base. Crack open those eggs and give ’em a good whisk. Gotta break ’em down to build ’em back up, just like breakin’ down film. He demonstrates with gusto, sending bits of shell flying. Once smooth, he adds a splash of cream for richness.
Kelce: Next up, veggies. I like to keep it simple – just a little salt, pepper, maybe a drizzle of olive oil to bring out that fresh flavor. Toss ’em all together so they’re well coated and ready for the oven. Gotta make sure everyone’s workin’ as a team. He mixes with abandon, grinning at the thought of the finished dish.
His smile grows even wider as he unveils the ham, basking in its smoky glory. Kelce slices off a piece, holding it up for a taste.
Kelce: Mmm, perfection. My secret rub gives it that extra zing, just like our D-line brings the heat. Now usually I’d say go light on the meat for Easter. But we Philadelphians like to do things a little differently. He piles generous hunks onto a serving platter.
It’s finally time to combine all the elements into one showstopping masterpiece. Kelce dumps the egg mixture into a casserole dish, then artfully arranges the vegetables and ham in layers on top.
Kelce: Now for the magic touch – a healthy sprinkle of cheese. Gotta represent that Philly grit. He grates sharp cheddar generously over the entire creation.
Stepping back to admire his handiwork, Kelce rubs his hands together eagerly.
Kelce: She’s a beaut, ain’t she folks? I call this the Easter Echelon. With layers of flavor like our RPO sets, it’s guaranteed to have everyone comin’ back for second helpings. Just wait till you get a load of it bubblin’ out of the oven. But first, we gotta let her bake!
As the dish bakes to golden brown perfection, Kelce puts the finishing touches on the rest of the meal. He boils eggs for egg salad and deviled eggs, whisking the fillings with the same gusto he brings to blocking. Rolls and butter are artfully arranged in a basket woven from dyed egg shells. A salad of mixed greens and berries is tossed with a honey-lime vinaigrette.
The timer dings and Kelce pulls the Easter Echelon from the oven with an oven-mitted flourish, setting it in the center of the table with a flourish. Steam rises in curls, carrying the intoxicating aroma throughout the house.
Kelce: She’s a beaut, just look at her! Layers of flavor like you wouldn’t believe. I tell you folks, this recipe is a gamechanger. It’s got everything you need to fuel up for a day of fun in the sun.
His family begins to gather – parents, siblings, nieces and nephews filling the chairs. The kids immediately dive for the colored eggs, oohing and aahing over the intricate designs.
Brother 1: Hey JJ, think fast! He lobs an egg across the table, which Kelce deftly catches without spilling a drop of his beer. The kids erupt in cheers.
Kelce’s mom clucks disapprovingly, though her eyes are smiling.
Mom: Boys, behave yourselves. It’s a holiday.
Kelce grins unabashedly, reaching for the serving spoon.
Kelce: Aw, you know us Ma. Just havin’ a little fun! Now who’s ready to dig in? This Easter Echelon ain’t gonna eat itself.
As the family fills their plates, laughter and chatter fill the room. Kelce watches with pride, already envisioning compliments on his culinary masterpiece. And as the first bites hit tongues, eyes widen in delight.
Brother 2: JJ, this might be your best one yet. The flavors, they’re unbelievable.
Niece: Can we please have this every Sunday?
Kelce beams, raising his beer in a toast.
Kelce: That’s what I like to hear! Told you folks, it doesn’t get any better than Philly style. This recipe’s got all the layers of an RPO, the zing of a D-line sack, the pop of a Big Play Slay pick. It’s Easter dinner championship-caliber. Now dig in and enjoy, spend time with the people you love. And most of all, have a very Happy Easter!
As the meal winds down in a haze of full bellies and smiles, Kelce leans back in his chair, content. Another holiday tradition has been a success, thanks to the magic of family, friends and of course, his secret recipe. He can’t wait to see what adventures the afternoon will bring – maybe a friendly egg hunt competition in the backyard? Only one way to find out. Go Birds!
