Spring Recipes

The season of spring is the perfect time to try out new recipes! Make the most of the vibrant seasonal ingredients that these delicious recipes have to offer.

Fresh spring rolls are a staple for this season. They are healthy and flavorful, not to mention incredibly simple to make as well.

Ingredients:

1. 1 package spring roll rice wrappers 

2. 1 package vermicelli rice noodles

3. 2 mangos, peeled and sliced into thin strips

4. 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded or sliced into thin strips

5. 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

6. 1 bunch of mint leaves

7. 1 bunch of basil leaves

8. 1 bunch of cilantro

9. 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce

10. 1/3 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy

11. 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce

12. 1/2 teaspoon hoisin sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook vermicelli noodles in boiling water for a few minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Gather all topping ingredients together, including the veggies and herbs.

3. Add about 1 inch of water to a large pan. Place one rice wrapper into the water and let it soak for just 10-15 seconds.

4. Layer 1-2 slices of each veggie, a few leaves of each herb, and a pinch of noodles on the ⅓ of the spring roll that is closest to you.

5. Fold the sides of the spring roll in over the ingredients. Then pull the side closest to you up and over the ingredients, sealing everything together tightly.

Spring also calls for exciting desserts, especially lemon blueberry pound cakes, which burst with tart flavors.

Ingredients:

1. ½ cup milk

2. 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, packed

3. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

4. 2 cups + 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour

5. ¼ teaspoon baking soda

6. ¼ teaspoon salt

7. 1 cup blueberries

8. 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

9. 1¼ cups granulated sugar

10. 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, then spray the pan again.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the remaining teaspoon of flour. 

4. In an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the eggs one at a time. With the mixer on low speed, progressively add in the flour. Add the flour-dusted blueberries to the batter and, using a spatula, fold until evenly combined.

5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smoothen the top.

6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the cake is golden brown. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then place it onto a rack to cool completely.

These spring recipes are just a few of the many delicious treats to try out this season. Feel free to start out with these simple recipes and see how far you can grow!