Seasonal Cooking: Fresh Spring Recipes to Brighten Your Table

Spring is a season of renewal, and this sentiment extends beautifully into the kitchen. As the days grow longer and warmer, the earth offers up a bounty of fresh produce that beckons us to create vibrant, light, and refreshing dishes. Embracing seasonal cooking not only enhances the flavors of our meals but also supports local agriculture and ensures we’re eating produce at its peak.

Pâté de Campagne with Pickled Vegetables

For a touch of rustic elegance, try incorporating pate de campagne into your spring menu. This traditional French country terrine is made with a mix of pork and liver, seasoned with herbs and spices. Serve it with a side of pickled spring vegetables for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Ingredients for Pâté:

• 1 lb pork shoulder, diced
• 1/2 lb pork liver, diced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the pork shoulder, liver, cream, brandy, garlic, shallot, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Transfer the mixture to a terrine or loaf pan, pressing it down firmly.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours, or until the pâté reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
5. Let the pâté cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Ingredients for Pickled Vegetables:

• 1 cup baby carrots, sliced
• 1 cup radishes, sliced
• 1 cup asparagus tips
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt.
2. Place the vegetables in a heatproof jar or container.
3. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, making sure they are fully submerged.
4. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Serve slices of pâté de campagne alongside the pickled vegetables with crusty bread for a satisfying and sophisticated springtime appetizer.

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Spring herbs add a burst of freshness to this simple yet elegant roasted chicken. Lemon, garlic, and a blend of herbs create a fragrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a springtime dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the lemon halves and garlic cloves.
3. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin where possible.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite spring vegetables.

Classic French Desserts: Lemon Tart

No spring meal is complete without delightful French desserts, and a classic French lemon tart is the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note. This tart combines a buttery crust with a tangy, creamy lemon filling that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients for the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together.
3. Press the dough into a tart pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Zest of 2 lemons

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, eggs, cream, and lemon zest until smooth.
2. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
4. Let the tart cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Spring is a time of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, and these recipes are perfect for celebrating the season. Whether you’re savoring a slice of pâté de campagne with pickled vegetables, roasting a lemon herb chicken, or indulging in a classic lemon tart, these dishes are sure to brighten your table and bring a taste of spring into your home.