I am slowly coming out of my deep winter hibernation, awakening from the fog that overtakes my body and brain when the days are short and the darkness is long. And just like that, overnight with the change of the clocks I start to feel signs of life within my sleepy soul. Creativity and plans are taking hold, and my gift for dreaming big plans is back to life. And, like the current chaos of spring weather, my brain isn’t sure where to focus. The glimpses of sunshine jump-start me and I start down one path, then a crazy storm hits 5 minutes later and I am hitting snooze on my alarm. But, Spring Equinox just passed…last Thursday in fact, and this is when I truly come alive each year. This is when those resolutions, goals, and plans for the year start to feel doable.
With the equinox comes so many exciting things. It’s time to start planting the garden. We have been loosely planning for this year's crops, but I am who I am, and who I am is a fair weather anything. If it is under 50 degrees I’m not up for spending a lot of time outside, and yet, when we wait for “my” ideal working temp, it’s too late. So my gardening partner in crime, my oldest, has jump-started the garden work. Ordered new beds, made us agree to a timeline for shoveling new garden soil and compost and purchasing new seeds. So, I will be putting on wool socks, my warmest work clothes, and getting my hands in the freezing cold soil. I’m usually grateful once I get into the groove, I just need that kick in the butt.
With the changing of the seasons, and oh how I am ready for warmer weather and sunnier days, makes me yearn for all of the tasty green treats that spring offers. But, in our neck of the woods, local spring harvests are still weeks away. There are signs, that delicate greens are making their way into the market, and not far behind, so close I can almost taste them are my favorites… English peas, fava beans, baby artichokes, and everyone's favorite, asparagus.
Instead of what I am cooking right now, this is me dreaming of what I am longing to create once the goods are available. Some of my favorite springtime recipes are veg-forward with just a sprinkling of meat. On my wishlist:
Louis Salad with Butter Poached Spot Prawns: all the tender greens, sugar snap peas, spring radishes, and loads of delicate herbs.
Ricotta Dumplings with Spring Peas, Asparagus, and Green Garlic: delicate dumplings with all of the best spring vegetables are what my soul dreams of, add pan-roasted salmon, and dinner is served.
Steamed Artichokes with Lemony Bagna Cauda: tender first-of-the-season artichokes, large or baby dragged through a warm dressing studded with lemon and absurd amounts of anchovy…chef’s kiss!
Some of my other dreamy spring offerings include garlic scapes, green garlic, spring onions, morel mushrooms, rhubarb, strawberries, and the list goes on and on. If you enjoy all these first-of-the-season offerings, remember to thank your farmers. They are out planting, turning soil, and making all of our mealtime dreams come true, no matter the weather!
Until my dreams become reality, I will keep myself warm with a big pot of my version of Grandma Frasca’s Spaghetti and meatballs. This is another crowd-pleaser that never gets old. It's a Sunday classic perfect to beat the last of the Winter weather blues and lead us into warmer days ahead.
What are you dreamy of to beat these cold change of season days?
