The birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, and the new buds are forming on the trees. There is nothing more delightful then when spring is in the air. After a long dark chilly winter those first glimpses of spring and the warmer days ahead brighten everyone’s mood. It also marks the bounty of the first growing season of the year. Along with the leaves on the trees and the wildflowers in the fields, delicious vegetables and fruits are becoming ready for the picking. Artichokes, radishes, spinach, fennel, strawberries and asparagus are just a few example of what we can find in a springtime garden.
Fruits and vegetables are best when they are in season. They taste better and are better for you. Produce loses so much of its goodness when it has to travel a long ways to get to you, when you eat with the season it can always be local. Spring is here, and a great way to celebrate the end of winter and the new season to come is to invite your friends over and have a brunch revolving around some of those fresh fruits and veggies that spring has to offer. Decorate with some fresh flowers and use these recipes from PaulaDeen.com that accentuate the produce of spring.
Asparagus quiche is a delicious and simple recipe to serve as a main course for brunch. The fresh crisp asparagus and flaky crust set the stage for this wonderful quiche. By placing the asparagus on top of the quiche in a circle like spokes on a wheel, it really stands out in a beautiful way.
Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing is a prefect dish to accompany the quiche. Spinach is a wonderful vegetable full of nutrients and it is in season in early spring. The fresh spinach adds lightness to the meal. The bacon dressing is absolutely divine and the bacon goes with the brunch theme. Serve up some sweet potato home fries to round out the meal.
Make the occasion really special and decadent with mimosa punch. Orange juice and sparkling wine together with club soda are all you need to create this delicious drink. Spring is a time of celebration so why not treat yourself and your friends to a fun cocktail. Garnish the glasses with some strawberries and there you have a beautiful drink.
Fresh fruit desserts are a wonderful way to have a sweet treat. Both strawberries and rhubarb are in season in the spring. Paula’s strawberry rhubarb ginger crisp is a lovely finish for your classy brunch. The rhubarb gives a delicious tart bite along side the sweet strawberries, and the ginger adds a hint of spice.
So whether you grow it yourself or visit your local farmer market, celebrate spring this year with a fantastic meal using recipes full of the season’s bounty.
