Springspiration by Teri Hiben

Here we are in April! Together we’ve walked through winter with all of its challenges. We all had our ways of managing, but I know that over the past months I’ve made a lot of bread, simmered, then savored many different soups and stews, and tried my hand at some new culinary skills. All of those efforts, whatever they have been, nourished and comforted us.

But now, with birdsong out my window, buds on the trees and enjoying the greening of the neighborhood, I’m looking for some new idea to match. There’s a desire for freshness, spring green vegetables, something a bit lighter to jumpstart our meals. Can you relate? I’ve decided to freshen up by finding some new sources for ideas. Actually, some of them aren’t “new”, simply revisited.

I recently revisited the Marcel’s website, full of recipes from my co-workers over the past 10 years. Many of them are from our free Tuesday demos which means they are easy, tasty and tested. I was reminded of one of my all-time favorites: Janie’s Penne with Beef and Arugula (try it!). Then there are some of the cookbooks in my kitchen that I already use, but maybe haven’t looked at with new eyes, like Alison Roman’s Dining In. Her lemon tart isn’t complicated but certainly fills the desire for a fresh (and lovely) spring dessert.

At Marcel’s we’re offering a richly varied collection of new cookbooks. There are 4 different sheet pan cookbooks for easy and healthy all-on-one-pan meals (think ideas like salmon, potatoes, asparagus - dinner is done!). Or Simply Julia for easy, simple and healthy meal ideas. My current obsession is Mandy’s Gourmet Salads from a restaurant in Quebec. I know, a salad is a pretty easy thing to throw together and I’ve done my share of throwing, but mine were getting tired and boring. After looking through it at the store a few times, I had to have it and at home since then, we’ve been pleased to enjoy the fresh flavors of the growing variety of fresh produce I’m finding in the grocery stores, all with an easy twist.

Come in to take a look at some of these cookbooks and freshen up your spring meals!