What's In Season
Recipes, recommendations, and reminders for a vibrant spring.
Hi Bakers!
Happy Spring Equinox to all of you in the Northern Hemisphere. Equinox translates to “equal night,” marking one of two days a year where we are granted 12 hours of each daylight and night. It is also the turning point in which daylight begins to win out over the darkness, and nothing is more worthy of celebration than that.
Spring is a promise of renewal. Even the smallest buds find a way to push through the earth as nature reawakens. Spring is a season of rebirth, fresh growth, and a pledge to emerge from the shadows.
Fruits and vegetables to look for:
Rhubarb, naval oranges, mangoes, kiwi, limes, grapefruit, lemons, kumquats, pineapple, passion fruit, tangerines, blood oranges, early strawberries.
Radishes, artichokes, asparagus, arugula, snap peas, leeks, spinach, turnips, carrots, fava beans, spring onions, cabbage, parsnips, beets, herbs, kale, watercress, fennel.
Holidays:
Both Easter and Mother’s Day come up this season. Consider a few produce-forward menu items for brunch, like crisp and snappy spring crudité, an herby egg dish, or greens in your pasta. A cream pie, sharp lemon tart, or a fluffy Bundt cake are all lovely centerpiece dessert options, while a batch of lavender shortbread or macarons are nice to bake ahead of time as a gift or to enjoy later.
Start your herb garden:
For herbs, I recommend buying the plant, not the seed. If you lack garden experience, you can still plant a container garden of prolific herbs to supply your kitchen all spring and summer long. Try rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, parsley, and lemon balm. Keep mint in a separate pot.
This would also make an excellent gift for Mother’s Day!
Wardrobe swap:
Even though the rain continues through June here, it’s time to properly put away the snow stuff. This includes storing clean winter gear (so many gloves!) and taking stock of what will need to be replaced before next season.
Open the windows:
Now that the sun is rising earlier, start the day with fresh air. Even if it’s cold, open a few windows for a cross-breeze. Wear a sweater and invite in the crisp outdoors. It’s so simple, but you might be surprised how effective this truly is.
Seeds to sow right now:
Most, if not all, last frost dates will pass this season. As the weather warms, don’t miss your chance to direct sow these spring favorites:
Peas (up until end of spring)
Continue with lettuce and leafy greens
Zinnia flowers - so low maintenance, you could totally forget about them and still have a bountiful cut-garden by summer
Last chance for arugula and spinach until the fall
I typically offer you a new recipe to make each week, but sometimes we need a reminder of the fantastic dishes that are already out there. Here are some recommendations that feature the best of spring produce, floral flavors, and brunch fare.
Seasonal Sweets:
Carrot Cake with brown butter frosting; orange morning buns; lavender shortbread; rhubarb crumble; hot cross buns; cherry blossom macarons; orange olive oil cake; lemon sugar crepes; strawberry scones with white chocolate; minty lime chiffon cake; matcha tea cake; coconut bread; mango cheesecake; coconut cream pie; raspberry ricotta cake; pistachio financiers; lemon curd cupcakes; fresh strawberries and cold sweet cream, chamomile tea cakes; pink grapefruit bars; hummingbird cake; panna cotta with stewed rhubarb; sparkling strawberry Prosecco cake.
Seasonal Savories:
Radishes dipped in butter with flaky salt; warm potato salad; charred asparagus with lemon zest; ramp pesto pasta; spinach ricotta gnocchi; pea & mint quiche; herb goat cheese frittata; arugula with shaved parmesan; poached salmon salad; brothy beans; chive potato pizza; roasted carrots with spiced yogurt; feta asparagus tart; cheddar and chive Dutch baby; lemon Swiss chard pasta; artichokes with aioli; herb roast chicken; potato leek soup; Waldorf salad; French omelette; garlic knots; lemon & dill salmon burgers.
Seasonal Sips:
Mint iced coffee; lavender latte; rosemary lemonade; rhubarb sour; iced Earl Grey; matcha latte; elderflower spritz; honey rhubarb shrub.
