Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

5 Recipes That are a Sure Sign of Spring

After a long winter, the world is turning back to green. Asparagus is shooting to the sky and curly pea tendrils seek out the sun, promising a near-future of farmers’ markets and tender fruits and veggies. To inspire you, here are some of the recipes we spend all year waiting […]

Chef's Blog

5 Tips for Starting Grilling Season Early

As the weather warms and our social bubbles slowly and safely expand, we plan to spend a lot of time in our backyards—and that means grilling season has come early! Grilling can be as convenient or complicated as suits your mood, but for all spring and summer grilling, we generally […]

Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

6 Recipes to Celebrate the Best of Spring

Spring is a reason to celebrate! New life, the return of sunshine, and some of the year’s very best ingredients. It may happen more slowly in some parts of the country, but as your market begin to fill up with asparagus, green onions, and sweet strawberries, look to these recipes […]

Main Dishes, Side Dishes

Asparagus with Chanterelles

Makes 5 servings This dish works well with either white or green asparagus. The time of year will determine which one you choose—it is in season in the spring. If you are lucky, you will find both in the store and you can prepare either. White asparagus is covered while […]

Soups and Stews

Asparagus-Edamame Bisque

Makes about 2 quarts This creamy soup is silky-smooth, with light, delicate flavors just perfect for those early spring days. Since frozen beans are often more available than fresh, it’s perfectly fine to use them in this soup. Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cups thinly sliced leeks 2 shallots, […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Aviation Cocktail

Ingredients 2 ounces gin 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur 1/4 ounce crème de violette Directions Combine first four ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until cold and strain into a martini glass.

Main Dishes

Braised Lamb Shanks

Makes 8 servings Braising is often used for cooking leaner and tougher cuts of meat like lamb shanks, which braise beautifully. As the meat slowly cooks, the connective tissue dissolves, the meat becomes tender, and the juices develop into a rich sauce. Serve with couscous or rice pilaf to soak […]

Desserts

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Makes 16 servings Carrot Cake Batter Ingredients 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 3/4 cup diced pineapple 4 cups grated carrots 2/3 cup raisins 2 egg whites Cream Cheese Frosting […]

Main Dishes

Cavatelli with Mushrooms and Ramps

Makes 5 servings For a supremely springtime dish, the mushrooms in this recipe would be chanterelles, but they can be expensive and are typically only available in the spring. A good substitution would be shiitake mushrooms. As for the ramps—wild, leafy, scallion-like vegetables—they are seasonal and you might actually find […]

Salads

Chilled Asparagus With Mustard Herb Vinaigrette

Makes 8 servings Ingredients 2 lb asparagus 2 tablespoons white wine or cider vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon chopped flat leaf parsley 1/2 teaspoon chopped tarragon leaves Salt and pepper as needed Dash of onion powder Dash of garlic powder 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Directions Bring a […]