Countdown to Spring

Related To:

Groundhog Cake from Serious Eats

Are you caught in the middle of yet another winter snowstorm? Take heart! Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow this morning, which means spring is (supposedly) going to be early this year. We can't wait. As much as we love chili and stews, we're ready for a return to the fresh fruits and vegetables that springtime has to offer.

Asparagus Wrapped in Proscuitto

One of the first signs of spring is asparagus. It's a hotly anticipated item at the farmers' market where I work. We sell flowers in the early spring, but people in the know ask about our limited bunches of asparagus we keep on the truck. Even when we transition to a vegetable stand in April, the asparagus is usually sold out by noon. Asparagus can be cooked a number of ways, but my personal favorite is Kelsey's recipe. She wraps bundles of asparagus in proscuitto and roasts the bundles in the oven.

Rhubarb Strawberry Pie with Almond Topping

Another springtime favorite is rhubarb. This versatile fruit (vegetable?) can go sweet or savory. A favorite childhood memory of mine is eating rhubarb at my grandmother's house. We ate it raw, with as much sugar as could fit down the middle of the stalk. I've since upgraded from that mouth-puckering snack and cook the rhubarb with sugar and strawberries for a delicious pie filling. This take from Emeril finishes the dessert with a crunchy almond topping.

Pan-Roasted Breast with Morels, Ramps and Frothed Parmesan

Or take your love of spring to the Iron Chef level. Michael Symon combines ramps and morels, two early to mid-spring favorites that can be hard to find, into one elegant dish.

And while it's a little too early to step into the kitchen and make any of these dishes, you can bake a cake in honor of Punxsutawney Phil and his early spring prediction (image above).

What is your favorite springtime fruit or vegetable?

Next Up

At the Market: 5 Recipes Using Fresh Spring Peas

Get Cooking Channel's recipes for pastas, salads and soup with fresh peas.

Sifted: French Toast Grilled Cheese + The Trendiest Spring Ingredient

Get Cooking Channel's take on the best in food news, recipes and more from around the web, including the best spring brunch recipes.

Crowd-Peasing Recipes Using 3 Varieties of Spring Peas

Get easy Spring peas recipes and ideas for appetizers, side dishes and entrees using English peas, snap peas and snow peas on Cooking Channel.

Food to Get You in the Mood for Spring!

Cooking Channel's Nadia G. designed a solid spring menu you can get really sink my teeth into.

Peep This: New Life for Easter Leftovers

Don’t let all the leftover Easter candies and eggs go to waste. Transform those same-old-same-old seasonal staples into exciting snacks with these easy recipes:

At the Market: 5 Unexpected Asparagus Dishes

Here are some new, unexpected asparagus recipes from Cooking Channel.

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here