Summer has its all-star lineup—tomatoes, corn, peaches, watermelon—but spring is all about the excitement of things in the world coming back to life. It’s no coincidence that so many spring vegetables I love are green: scallions, lettuces, asparagus, snap peas, and herbs galore. I like to look for recipes that celebrate the vibrancy of the season—the bright, herbaceous flavors, the crisp snap of a just-picked stalk of asparagus, the fresh aroma of a minced chive—but also make use of easy-to-find, ‘year-round’ ingredients. Here's what's been on my table lately. 

RECIPE DEVELOPER · COOK · FOOD WRITER

Author of Cooking in Real Life, a regular contributor to The New York Times, and the person behind @lideylikes — where she shares the food, home, and life things she's excited about.

Spring-inspired recipes for easy hosting, busy mornings, and cooking with the kitchen windows open.

Spiced Salmon With Fennel, Grapefruit & Avocado

Old School Dill Dip

Overnight Oats With Almond Butter & Strawberry Jam

Chicken & Cabbage Salad With Gingery Peanut Dressing

My Kitchen Remodel

I renovated my kitchen this winter and kept both cooking and hosting in mind as I made design decisions. I wanted the kitchen to feel cozy and welcoming so it blended seamlessly with the rest of the house, rather than feel like a separate, purely functional space. After all the dreaming, planning, and renovating, it's been fun to put the design to the test and host in the new space this spring.  Here are easy ideas for giving a kitchen a warm, lived-in feel and setting the tone for casual gatherings all year long. 

1. Vintage Plates 2.Brass Candle Holder 3. Wine Glasses 4. Statement Lampshade

Spring is fleeting and often feels like a stepping stone to summer. Rather than skipping ahead, I try to soak up each passing week and the long daylight hours with open windows 24/7, fresh herbs in drinking glasses like little flower arrangements, and simple dinners inspired by the season. 

As always, I love hearing what you're making. Find me over on Instagram and let me know what's been on your table.

-Lidey

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