One of the simplest ways to cook and make delicious meals is to eat what’s in season. You don't have to do much to produce at its peak — it already tastes great!
This month, take a few minutes to refresh your Menu with seasonal ingredients, and I'll help you spark ideas for simple ways to prepare them.
There are many reasons to eat with the seasons. Fresh seasonal food tastes better. It also costs less and is maximally rich in nutrients during its peak season. Off-season produce just doesn't compare — for example, berries, tomatoes, and asparagus from the grocery store in winter never taste as sweet or flavorful as they do in summer. You don't get much for the price.
Stick with the season, and your Menu will never get stale. Great restaurants do this — they adjust their menu four times a year, and you can easily do the same.
Just like at a fine restaurant, shift your family's Menu with the seasons.
To start with, review your favorite recipe ideas from last year. After a year, they'll feel like new — and will be familiar to make.
Then, if you're looking for new ideas, freshen up your favorite recipes with a seasonal ingredient, or explore a new ingredient.
Start by writing down your favorite spring dish ideas — jot them on paper or add them to your recipe app.
Now, if you'd like some more ideas, let's take those favorites and make something new simply by adding a fresh spring twist.
For example, if risotto is a favorite, let's make a spring version! Add fresh spring peas, basil, and lemon — or all three!
Does Caesar salad always get a thumbs-up? How about adding a bit of kale or spinach? It's a simple change to take a familiar salad and make it with different greens newly in season.
Add a homemade dressing so flavorful, even someone who doesn't love kale might not notice! Maybe everyone will eat their leafy greens too.
Do you sometimes make mashed or puréed potatoes? Would you like to try a French carrot purée for spring instead? The method is the same — you're just changing one ingredient. How simple is that?!
A French clafoutis is one of my go-to dishes; you can put just about anything in it. For me, that will be leeks and bacon this season, instead of ham and cheese.
Again, jot down your new spring ideas (or note them in your recipe app — then you won't forget them next year).
By adding even just one new seasonal ingredient to your favorite dishes, there's not much to do to refresh your Menu!
If you want even more ideas, let's look for new recipes using your favorite ingredients.
If carrots are on the Menu, what can you make? How about carrot soup or carrot flan?
Maybe a carrot slaw, or simply carrots sautéed in good butter — maybe with Marsala?
Is everyone happy to see peas on their plate? A favorite springtime pasta dish is pasta piselli — pasta with peas, ham, and mint. A simple yet divine combination.
How about a little pea purée served as a garnish for risotto or on tartines as a first course, part of a light lunch or a tapas dinner? It's just like making pesto but with peas!
Simply combining sautéed peas and potatoes is another delicious way to make something new, or just add some herbs to your peas — I like to add onions and fresh thyme.
To find your new ideas, visit your favorite recipe site, or ask the web, "What can I make with peas, carrots, or kale?" You'll find more ideas than you can eat in a season!
One of the most delightful pleasures of eating is discovering something new.
When you're ready for even more inspiration, try exploring a new ingredient or two. What do you want your family to try this spring? Radishes? Asparagus? Ramps? Leeks? Oh my, so many ideas come to mind, but let’s start with a timeless, classic French dish — radis au beurre. It’s a perfect example of how simple a great dish can be. Just radishes, butter, and sea salt. There’s really nothing to prepare, and though it’s simple, it’s sublime.
A simple preparation of great ingredients is a hallmark of great cooking. When the ingredient has fabulous flavor, you don’t have to do much to it — like leeks with vinaigrette or sautéed spinach with a hint of butter, or cream, and a sprinkle of nutmeg!
Speaking of spinach, you might be surprised at what gets a thumbs-up. Kids don’t always care for spinach, but when it's packed into mini bouchées with some good cheese, they often do!
These bouchées are great to make and keep in the freezer for an easy dinner, or to pack for a picnic or school lunch. We don’t need a plethora of recipes to make great meals — just great ingredients and a few good ideas.
Have you noticed, the fresher and more flavorful food is, the more mindfully we eat? Great food inspires slowing down and savoring, leading to better health and eating habits.
Enjoy exploring the flavors of spring. If you can get to a farmer's market, it’s worth the trip. Fresh produce from the farm often lasts longer than what you get at the grocery store, and it costs less. Seasonal markets are starting to open this month, so check and see what's opening in your area.
If you can't get to a farmer's market, maybe we can bring the farm to you. Try searching on the web for a "farm delivery service near me." These businesses are growing in popularity, offering produce and artisan products from multiple farms and producers — delivered right to your door. It’s an easy way to source the best.
Remember, just because something is in the grocery store doesn’t mean it’s the best you can find.
Setting up your seasonal Menu is simple — welcome back your favorites, and try a few new tastes or new dishes. And before you know it, the season will be over, and it’s time to bring in a new one.
What will you try this spring?
We'll do this again next season too!
If you have any questions about making your Menu, feel free to write to me here. Bon (spring) appétit!
