Spring into the Season!

photo source

I could never say that I prefer one season more than the others, with each having their own special qualities; but Spring is definitely one of the most exciting to me. It’s exciting because, along with the warmer temperatures and longer days, the earth starts to come alive again. Trees and flowers blossom, gardens are reborn… there are signs of transformation everywhere and promises of abundance to come.

It’s something about Spring that brings people back to life as well. Everyone becomes cheerier, perhaps from a little extra “spring in their step” (pun intended)! J Moreover, maybe it’s more than a coincidence that with the Spring season also comes Easter and Passover – two holidays that highlight messages of hope and renewal.



http://gosoutheast.about.com/od/tripplanningmaps/ss/springtrips_8.htm



So with these rejuvenating thoughts in mind, I’d like to present to you with some healthy, Spring-inspired recipes (some with some traditional holiday flair). Check them out after the jump, then post a comment and let me know what you think! J

Starters




Veggie Quiche

 

     Deviled Eggs

     Matzo Ball Soup

Entrees

     Brown Sugar & Spice-Crusted Ham

     Braised Lamb Shanks with Mint-Parsley Pesto

     Vegetarian Quiche



Side Dishes and Salads

Strawberry Arugula Salad

     Strawberry and Arugula Salad with Hazelnut Dressing

     Asparagus Basil Salad

     Spinach Cakes

Sweet Treats

    Strawberry Cream Parfaits  *best with fresh strawberries

    Almond-Coconut Tart

I hope everyone has been enjoying these first couple weeks of Spring!

 

For those celebrating this Sunday, I'll leave you with one of my favorite childhood memories of Easter:

photo source

Every Easter morning, Peter Cottontail (our family Easter bunny, i.e. our parents) would hide the Easter baskets. My sister and I would wake up bright and early to each find a trail of cotton balls beginning at our bedroom doors. Mom and Dad told us that the Easter bunny had been in such a hurry that he’d lost little puffs of his tail. They even went as far as leaving a few cotton balls stuck in the doorjamb! Each trail would eventually lead us to our Easter baskets, full of fun new toys and a few pieces of candy… (with Dad being a dentist, we never got much in the way of sweets – another token of influence for my becoming a dietitian!) J 

What fun Spring traditions did you follow growing up?

Check back soon for more seasonal recipes, nutrition tips and health facts brought to you from the Good Life Center! Enjoy your weekend! J

Here's to a bright, new season.

Chloe RD and the GLC