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I haven’t worn my winter coat all week, and I’m more excited about that than I ought to be. I’ve started to remember what sunshine looks like, and I’m not trying to shelter my face from the wind every time I walk out the door.
Spring is officially here, and that means it’s time to take a trip over to the local farmer’s market or grocery store and pick out some tasty fruits and veggies to start cooking with! I love wandering up and down the produce aisle, imagining what I’d do if I just picked out any old fruit or vegetable that suited my fancy.
The produce aisle is brimming with freshly in-season fruits and veggies, and it’s time you celebrated by picking out a few and gettin’ to that kitchen! I’ve got a few ideas to help you get started.
1) Apricots
Don’t confuse ’em with peaches! Apricots are the smaller and sweeter cousin to the popular peach, and boy are they tasty to cook with! If you’re looking for a juicy burst of fruity flavor but want to stay away from berries, then apricots are your fruit.
Clockwise from top left: Apricot Crumb Bars; Plantation Apricot Tarts; Apricot Pillow Cookies; Apricot Yogurt Muffins
2) Broccoli
These leafy greens are the perfect complement to any of your favorite dinner entrees. Whether you love them best steamed or raw, there’s always a simple broccoli recipe at the ready that’ll make any dinner feel complete.
Clockwise from top left: Best Broccoli Salad; Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip; Broccoli Chicken Pasta Skillet; Chicken & Broccoli Hand Pies
3) Pineapple
I LOVE when desserts incorporate tropical fruits. It really does feel like you’ve got a slice of paradise on a plate. Pineapple adds that extra special touch to any dish with its tart yet sweet flavor and colorful appearance. You don’t have to wait ’til your next trip to Hawaii to enjoy it when you’ve got dishes like these!
Clockwise from top left: Hawaiian Poke Cake; Crustless Pineapple Pie; Tropical Escape Crumble Bars; Pineapple Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
4) Green Beans
If you’re looking for a different green veggie to work into your regular dinner menu, green beans are never a bad choice. They’re not just a Thanksgiving staple; they work well with meals throughout the entire year from meatloaf to baked chicken.
Clockwise from top left: Green Bean Sticks; Chinese Green Beans; Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans; New Green Bean Casserole
5) Strawberries
Strawberries are my absolute favorite fruit, and it should be yours too. (Everyone knows that the pink Starburst is the best for a reason.) Whether on their own or mixed into a smoothie or baked into a cake, there’s no bad way to use strawberries.
Clockwise from top left: Classic Strawberry Shortcake; Cannoli-Stuffed Strawberries; Strawberry Coffee Cake Muffins; Strawberry Lemon Snack Cake
What’s the one fruit or veggie you can’t wait to cook with this spring? Let us know in the comments below!
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Hi, Jessica. I’m glad you are enjoying the Spring weather. I’m definitely enjoying the fresh (and reasonably priced) produce we’re seeing now! Thanks so much for including my recipes in this fun post. Have a great week!
Thanks so much for checking out the post, Andi!